The Cleveland Browns opened themselves up to a good deal of second-guessing during the 2026 NFL Draft. Not only did they trade down from No. 6 overall, but at No. 9 they selected Spencer Fano with every other offensive tackle prospect still on the board.
It was a somewhat risky move because the Browns did so intending to move Fano to left tackle after he played his final two college seasons at Utah on the right side. Cleveland put Fano into the starting lineup almost immediately, and entering Week 6 of the season, it could not have worked out any better.
Fano is quietly proving the Browns right, as he ranks among the best pass-blocking linemen in the NFL, according to Gridiron Grading.
“NFL OT Pass Blocking through 5 weeks. Also noting Spencer Fano. Looks like a home run pick for Cleveland,” Gridiron Grading posted.
NFL OT Pass Blocking through 5 weeks
Amarius Mims has been the cleanest pass blocking OT in the league so far.
Also noting Spencer Fano. Looks like a home run pick for Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/7c22klYl8g
— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) October 17, 2026
On this chart, Fano has allowed 10 quarterback pressures on about 200 pass-block snaps. Browns veteran right tackle Tytus Howard has allowed close to 15 pressures in about 175 snaps after missing some time with an injured knee in Week 5 against the New York Jets.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fano has a pass-block grade of 70.9, which ranks 33rd among 72 qualified offensive tackles. He has allowed just one sack and no quarterback hits, and he has committed just one penalty.
Those would be impressive statistics for any offensive lineman, let alone a rookie who is making a switch to one of the most difficult positions to play in the NFL. Along with rookie right guard Austin Barber, who was a third-round pick in last year’s draft, the Browns look to have found two stalwarts for years to come.
By comparison, Francis Mauigoa, a tackle who was the No. 10 pick and moved to guard by the New York Giants, has a pass-block grade of 43.4. Kadyn Proctor, the No. 12 pick by the Miami Dolphins, has also been playing guard and has a grade of 60.7.
So, at least at this moment, it seems like the Browns made the wise choice with Fano, who should continue to improve over the course of the campaign.
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