Utah’s Spencer Fano was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Here’s what his new coach, NFL analysts think of the pick

The Cleveland Browns need to beef up their offensive line entering the 2026 season, and they did just that on Thursday night.

Holding the No. 6 pick in the first round of the NFL draft, the Browns had Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano — a three-year starter for the Utes — as the No. 1 player on their board.

Confident that Fano would still be there at No. 9, Cleveland traded the No. 6 selection to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the Nos. 9, 74 and 148 picks and then took Fano at No. 9.

“Well, we were jacked,” said Browns first-year head coach Todd Monken. “I mean, to be able to move back three spots, pick up a third and a fifth (round pick), what a great job by general manager Andrew (Berry) and get the player we targeted the whole time, and I mean, we couldn’t be any more excited and still have another pick later on tonight.”

Fano becomes the third-highest NFL draft selection from the University of Utah, just one spot behind current offensive line coach Jordan Gross, who was picked by the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 in 2003.

“I just started crying.That was my initial reaction,” Fano said after being selected. “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 there that believed in me, so I’m ready to get to work.”

After excellent sophomore and junior seasons — he allowed just one sack over two seasons — Fano was rewarded by being the first offensive lineman selected in this year’s draft.

“His character was first. I mean, the way he’s wired, I think the expectations that we’ll have for him won’t even match that he has for himself,” Monken said.

“His athleticism, his toughness ... When you want to start off the first your regime, I mean, when you start, you talk about what you want. Character, toughness, athleticism, he has it all.”

In Fano, Cleveland is getting an athletic, smart, physical offensive lineman who played at an extremely high level for the Utes and anchored an offensive line that set school records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2025.

“You go all the way back to Urban Meyer and then coach (Kyle) Whittingham. I mean, when you get a player from Utah, I mean, you get a player that’s physical,” Monken said.

“They’re going to practice physical, they’re going to play physical, their style, their expectations of their o-line, so again, we’re fired up.”

Following the 2025 college football season, Fano became Utah’s first-ever offensive unanimous All-American and also won the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.

After blocking for quarterbacks Bryson Barnes, Nate Johnson, Cam Rising, Isaac Wilson and Devon Dampier in college, Fano will likely be protecting a familiar name in Cleveland — former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Monken said Fano will play left tackle for the Browns, a team that allowed 51 sacks (seventh-most in the NFL) and rushed for just 97 yards per game in 2025.

Fano played that position for the Utes in his true freshman season before switching to right tackle as Caleb Lomu slotted in at left tackle.

“I’m going to be taking, based off what I’ve been told, I’m going to be taking strictly left reps to get ready for the season,” Fano said.

Fano got off to a good start in Cleveland in a conference call with reporters on Thursday night, naming Hall of Fame Browns left tackle Joe Thomas as one of his favorites at the position.

“Pretty starstruck to hear that I’ll be able to meet him. Whenever anyone asks me who the greatest tackle of all time is, I think of Thomas,” Fano said.

“I feel like I know a good amount about him. Ten years where he didn’t miss a snap, and then not only 10 years with not missing a snap but playing the way he did. I’m really, really grateful and excited to be able to learn from him.”

The Browns have high exceptions for Fano at left tackle, and now it’s up to him to reward their trust in him.

“I’m really excited to be back there, and oh my gosh, I’m pumped. I’m pumped,” Fano said.

What did NFL analysts think of the pick?

CBS Sports’ Mike Renner: “Grade: A+. Fano is the cleanest offensive lineman in the draft class. He pairs high-end athleticism with technical prowess and strong hands. He’s an elite zone blocker who has the size to play anywhere along the offensive line if needed. His arm length may scare some off, but it was never a massive issue for him on tape.”

ESPN’s Matt Miller: “Coming into the draft, the Browns needed to address the offensive line -- perhaps with more than one selection. In Fano, they get the most versatile offensive lineman in the class. The Browns could use him at left tackle -- a position he played for one season at Utah before moving to his right tackle spot, which is also a need area for the Browns. Some scouts say they believe his best position might ultimately be on the inside.

For Cleveland, what’s most important is adding talented offensive lineman. His position can be figured out once the entirety of the depth chart is known. Fano was my No. 2-ranked tackle in the draft, behind Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, but his versatility is a plus here.”

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi: “The Browns continued their commitment to overhauling the offensive line with their selection of Fano. Coach Todd Monken says Fano, a three-year player who has experience at right tackle and left tackle, will play left tackle in Cleveland. The LT is a position that has plagued the Browns’ offense over the past few years. Fano becomes the fourth offensive lineman the Browns have added this offseason, joining veterans Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins.”

“... Fano has a good chance to start at left tackle in Week 1. Dawand Jones, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has been oft-injured, suffering season-ending leg injuries in three straight seasons. KT Leveston, who started seven games last season, had a pass block win rate that ranked 63rd out of 68 qualifying tackles.”

NFL.com Lance Zierlein: “Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing.

His athletic profile is designed for move-based blocking schemes where he can pull, reach and climb while beating opponents to the spot with quickness/feel for hitting landmarks on time. He gives good effort as a downhill blocker but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses. Fano’s level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups.”

Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald: “Grade: B. This is a nice process from the Browns. Trading down to get a versatile offensive lineman in Fano might be exactly what this team needed. He could potentially play all five spots at the next level and will allow the Browns to keep their best five offensive linemen on the field at all times. He might not stick at left tackle, but his floor and ceiling are both really high.”