The Cleveland Browns selected Spencer Fano with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the hope that he would be able to play left tackle for them as a rookie, after playing on the right side of the line in college. It was a risk, for sure, as the position is one of the most difficult in the NFL, even for the most experienced players.
Two weeks into his first NFL training camp, Fano has proven to be worthy of the Browns’ faith in him. He is now well on his way to starting in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Speaking at camp on Monday, Cleveland head coach Todd Monken said the Browns’ rookie “solidified” his role during practice on Saturday, which included a scuffle with defensive lineman Jared Verse.
“We were already leaning that way, but Saturday solidified it,” Monken said.
Todd Monken says Spencer Fano solidified his no. 1 spot at LT on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/VwzE1orJw0
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 10, 2026
The fact that a pass rusher of Verse’s caliber became so frustrated with Fano that he threw him to the ground before teammates stepped in speaks volumes about how the rookie has performed to date. Going up against Cleveland’s defensive line daily could have eroded Fano’s confidence, but that is not the case at all.
He could be the first piece of the puzzle as the Browns try to find the best five lineman to make up their starting unit this season. With Zion Johnson the only other certainty at left guard, having a left tackle firmly in place has to take a lot off the shoulders of Monken, offensive coordinator Travis Switzer and offensive line coach George Warhop.
Tytus Howard was expected to be the right tackle, but he could move to guard if the Browns choose to use Dawand Jones at tackle. Potential centers Elgton Jenkins and Parker Brailsford have missed some practice time, along with possible guard Teven Jenkins, leaving the alignment in flux.
The preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Saturday should give a further indication of who the Browns plan to use, and where, in the regular season opener a month later.
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