The NFL Draft brought with it split-second decision-making for teams to secure their preferred picks, and the Cleveland Browns felt the chaos. The Browns put strategy into action by drafting offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick. 

Jori Epstein, a senior writer for Yahoo Sports, highlighted this intensity in her report of the scene: “On clock at 9, Browns scouts pitched Spencer Fano. ‘He can open his hips, he can pull—’ RING RING. ‘This dude is so versatile—’ RING RING. ‘I mean, he’s a slam dunk. RING RING.” 

Initially holding the sixth pick, the Browns decided to trade back with the Kansas City Chiefs, gaining picks 9, 74, and 148 in the process. While they moved down the board, the team was confident that their top-tier targets would still be available. 

As the Browns sat in the ninth spot, General Manager Andrew Berry faced immense pressure from rival teams. Even though Cleveland had already identified Fano as their primary target, other organizations continued to call with last-minute trade offers to try to steal the pick. 

The room was reportedly a busy, high-pressure environment as scouts tried to finalize their evaluation of Fano while phones continued to ring with competing offers. 

The Browns breathed relief at 8:48 p.m. when the New Orleans Saints selected wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. This guaranteed that Cleveland’s top choice, whom they had labeled with an "orange dot" on their draft board, was officially available. 

Despite one final attempt to trade for the spot, Berry stayed firm, refusing the caller to secure his player. 

Ultimately, the Browns prioritized stability for their already well-performing offensive line, recording 53 sacks in the 2025 regular season across 17 games. Cleaveland viewed Fano as a versatile athlete capable of playing Left Tackle and protecting their quarterback for future seasons. 

HC Todd Monken explains what drew the team towards Spencer Fano

The Cleveland Browns' choice to bring in Fano seems to be an informed decision. At Utah, Fano was a reliable starter for three years in college. Head coach Todd Monken says Fano is exactly the kind of player the Browns need. 

"His character was first, I mean, the way he's wired," Monken said. "I think the expectations that we will have for him won't even match that he has for himself. His athleticism, his toughness, I mean, when you want to start off the first year of your regime, you talk about what you want: character, toughness, athleticism, he has it all."

Fano has played in 37 total games and started in 35 of them. He has proved that he can play on both the left and right sides of the line. Out of his 35 starts, 11 were at left tackle, and 24 were at right tackle per Cleaveland 19.

He is coming into the NFL with a significant record in pass protection, having allowed only five small pressures and zero sacks during the entire 2025 season. 

The Browns entering the 2026 season have a lot of new faces on the offensive line. But the coach is confident in Fano’s skills. He will play a very important position, which is the left tackle, and Fano says he is ready to get to work. 

Will Spencer Fano help the Cleveland Browns make a deep postseason run in 2026? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Surjo Roy