The Cleveland Browns made a strategic trade with the Kansas City Chiefs on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. In exchange for their sixth overall pick, the Browns agreed to trade down to the ninth overall pick, along with future-round picks.

With the trade down, the Browns decided to draft offensive tackle Spencer Fano. Before they made their pick, Browns general manager Andrew Barry had some reassuring words for the promising prospect.

On 24 April, the Browns shared a post on X featuring a snippet of the first call between Berry and Spencer Fano. The GM informed Fano about the significant faith the organization has in his future.

“You've been one of the guys that we've targeted from very early in the process. We think you have the potential to be a franchise left tackle for us,” Berry said.

“The other thing is, you're a culture setter. And you'll be extremely additive for our offense and our team. And we think that you can be a foundational player for this organization,” Berry concluded.

The 21-year-old is a former Utah Utes player who appeared in 37 games at the collegiate level for three years. He earned an 83.9 overall PFF grade in the 2025 season. 

Fano was ranked 12th among 632 offensive tackles qualified for the draft. He also received a PFF pass-blocking grade of 81.5, which ranked him 34th. 

His run-blocking grade of 79.9 placed him at the 21st position and allowed 5 pressures in pass protection. He allowed zero sacks and hits to opposing pass rushers in his final season.

Fano received several accolades during his collegiate career including Freshman All-American, First-team All-American and First-team All Big-12 honors.

Based on his performance in the final season, he received unanimous All-American honors and the Outland Trophy, given to the best collegiate interior lineman in the nation.

While the Browns are elated after landing the prospect, Fano could not hold back his tears on this joyous occasion. 

Fano Reveals Details Of His Draft Day

In a post-draft media session, Fano shared tidbits about the whirlwind emotions he went through on this day. 

“I just, I was sitting there and then I saw a FaceTime call from Megan Rock and I just started crying,” Fano revealed.

“That was my reaction. And then, I’m just so excited to get to work, man. I’m so excited to get to work and I’m so grateful for everybody that believed in me. So, I’m ready to get to work,” Fano said.

When asked about playing with Sheduer Sanders, Fano reminisced about their previous encounters.

“I’m excited. Me and him, we went one-on-one in our college career. I won one, and I lost the last one.”

With wide receiver KC Concepcion also going to Browns in the first round, Cleveland appears to have addressed major roster gaps with their selections.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rishab Nandi