Spencer Fano to Browns, Fans React as Shedeur Sanders, QBs Get Protection with 9th Pick in NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns selected Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday.

Cleveland initially held the No. 6 selection before trading back to No. 9 in a swap with the Kansas City Chiefs, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

He is expected to play left tackle for Cleveland:

Fano should now serve as a key piece of a Browns offensive line that'll block for Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson at quarterback in 2026.

Fans and pundits reacted to the choice.

Fano spent all three years of his college career at Utah, operating as a left tackle during his freshman campaign before switching to right tackle over the next two seasons.

He thrived in 2025, as he didn't allow a sack or quarterback hit in 822 offensive snaps.

Fano showcased his athleticism at the 2026 scouting combine, as his 4.91-second time in the 40-yard dash ranked No. 2 among all offensive lineman.

He was listed as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the draft class on the final big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn highlighted Fano's fluidity in his scouting report.

"Spencer Fano is the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2026 class due to his loose, fluid movement skills and relentless motor that allow him to recover from compromised positions, process movement and sustain blocks at a high level," Thorn wrote.

Fano should immediately contribute on a Browns offensive line that gave up 51 sacks in 2025.