2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns Select OT Spencer Fano at No. 9, Reinventing the Trenches

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a glaring need and a plan. After a season defined by quarterback pressure and a ground game that stalled too often, the front office knew the offensive line required a jolt. With the ninth overall pick, they found their man: Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the draft room, Cleveland originally held the sixth pick but orchestrated a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, sliding back three spots while accumulating valuable capital. The selection of Fano—a 6-foot-5, 311-pound mauler with a resume that includes the Outland Trophy and Unanimous All-American honors—signals a new era of physicality for the Browns’ protection unit. This is not just a pick; it’s a statement that the trenches will dictate Cleveland’s future.

Why Cleveland Traded Down and Still Got Their Guy

The pre-draft buzz had the Browns linked to several blue-chip pass rushers and cornerbacks. However, the team’s internal board prioritized the offensive line, and Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Fano ranked as the top offensive tackle in the entire 2026 class. When the board fell in a way that left Fano available past the top five, Cleveland’s phone lit up.

The trade with Kansas City was a masterstroke of patience. By moving from No. 6 to No. 9, the Browns secured an extra third-round pick and a future fourth-rounder—all while still landing their primary target. General Manager Andrew Berry emphasized the value of “getting your guy while adding draft capital,” and that’s exactly what happened. The Chiefs, eager to jump up for a defensive playmaker, were willing partners.

This isn’t a reach. Fano’s tape from his three-year starting tenure at Utah—where he began as a true freshman left tackle before sliding to his natural right tackle spot—shows a player who dominated the Pac-12 (and later the Big 12) with technical precision. He became just the fifth unanimous All-American in Utah history and the first offensive player to earn that distinction. That kind of pedigree doesn’t fall into your lap often.

Spencer Fano Scouting Report: The Technical Mauler

Let’s break down what the Browns are getting. Fano’s game is built on a foundation of elite athleticism and nasty disposition. Brugler’s scouting report nails it: “He plays like someone just pissed in his Cheerios.” That edge is exactly what Cleveland’s line has lacked since the departure of some veteran enforcers.

Pass Protection Prowess: Fano possesses quick feet out of his stance and rare bend and balance for a 311-pound frame. He can mirror speed rushers around the edge and uses sudden hands to latch and control. In Utah’s RPO-heavy scheme, he faced everything from wide-9 alignments to complex stunts. He neutralized them with efficient footwork and a low center of gravity.

Run Blocking Dominance: This is where Fano separates himself. On power plays and skip-pulls, he accelerates through the hole with violence. His hips are fluid, allowing him to fit up linebackers and safeties and drive them into the turf. When Utah needed a yard, they ran behind No. 55. Cleveland’s running backs—whether a committee or a future workhorse—will love running behind a tackle who finishes every block.

The One Weakness: No prospect is perfect. Fano’s anchor is still developing. He can get caught leaning against bull rushers with NFL-level power, and his overall raw strength isn’t overwhelming. Brugler notes that “his undeveloped anchor could be an issue early in his career.” However, this is a coachable flaw. With NFL strength training and technique refinement, Fano can turn this into a strength within two seasons.

Immediate Impact: Where Fano Fits in Cleveland

The Browns’ offensive line is currently a mix of veteran talent and unproven youth. The left tackle spot is solidified, but the right side has been a revolving door. Fano is a natural right tackle—a position he mastered over the past two seasons at Utah. He is expected to compete for the starting job immediately, likely pushing a current starter to a swing tackle role or to the interior.

His arrival brings versatility. Because he played left tackle as a freshman, he can serve as an emergency option on the blind side. More importantly, his presence allows Cleveland to scheme more power runs and play-action passes off the right edge. Defensive coordinators will have to account for Fano’s ability to climb to the second level, which opens up cutback lanes for the running game.

Quarterback stability is another factor. Whether Deshaun Watson or a rookie signal-caller is under center, having a tackle who can handle speed off the edge and seal the edge in the run game is invaluable. Fano’s football IQ and experience in a spread system mean he can process stunts and blitzes quickly—a skill that will accelerate his transition to the NFL.

Predictions for Fano’s Rookie Season and Beyond

Predicting rookie linemen is always tricky, but Fano’s floor is remarkably high. Here are three bold predictions for his first season in Cleveland:

• Week 1 Starter: Fano will win the starting right tackle job by the end of training camp. His technique and athleticism are too advanced to keep on the bench, even if his anchor needs work. The coaching staff will trust him to handle NFL speed rushers.
• Top-10 Run Block Grade: Among rookie tackles, Fano will rank in the top 10 in run-blocking efficiency. His ability to pull and seal the edge will be a weapon in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
• Rookie Growing Pains: Expect 2-3 games where a power rusher exploits his anchor. But unlike many rookies, Fano learns quickly. He will not make the same mistake twice. By Week 12, he will be a reliable pass protector.

Long-term, Fano has the tools to be a multiple-time Pro Bowler. He joins a lineage of Polynesian offensive linemen—following in the footsteps of Penei Sewell, who also won the Outland Trophy and was of Polynesian descent. Fano is the second to achieve that honor. The comparison isn’t just cultural; it’s stylistic. Like Sewell, Fano plays with controlled aggression and a relentless motor. If he develops his strength, he could become a cornerstone for a decade.

Conclusion: A Franchise-Altering Selection

The Cleveland Browns didn’t just fill a hole at No. 9. They sent a message that the offensive line will be the identity of this team for the next decade. Spencer Fano is not a project; he’s a polished technician with a mean streak and a resume that screams “first-round steal.” The trade-down with Kansas City only amplified the value, giving the Browns more ammunition to build depth elsewhere.

In a draft class loaded with defensive talent, Cleveland zigged while others zagged. They prioritized the trenches, and history shows that teams who win in the trenches win championships. Fano’s path from Utah to the Outland Trophy to the NFL is now complete, but his journey in Cleveland is just beginning. Browns fans should be excited: their new right tackle is ready to pave the way.

The 2026 NFL Draft will be remembered for many twists, but this pick—Spencer Fano to the Browns at No. 9—could be the one that reshapes a franchise.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.