Maybe Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry is actually pretty good at this. Despite the objection of many fans around Northeast Ohio, for the second year in a row, Berry has bolstered his reputation as a shrewd bargainer by trading down from a lofty first-round position and multiplying his assets in the process–while still getting the guy he wanted all along. That was the case on Thursday with the No. 6 pick, where Cleveland was eyeing tackle Spencer Fano.
The Browns moved back to No. 9 in a deal with Kansas City that also added a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick to the Cleveland stable, and still got Fano, as teams shied away from drafting offensive linemen at the top of the draft. Again, credit Berry for reading the room on that.
But, while it was well-known throughout the predraft process that the Browns were targeting at least one offensive lineman, the big question was, once the team made the pick, where would the new guy play? Most of the top linemen in this draft are right tackles, and after trading for right tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans, the Browns seemed to be stuck. But, it turns out, they’ve made a decision on Fano.
Browns See Spencer Fano at Left Tackle
In his meeting with reporters at the Browns draft celebration on Thursday, reporters chimed in with the team’s plans for Spencer Fano.
From Cleveland.com beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot: “Browns coach Todd Monken said Utah OT Spencer Fano was their top target because of his ‘character, toughness and athleticism.’ He said he’ll play left tackle.”
Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com added that the Browns will plan to put Fano at left tackle and added, “Browns coach Todd Monken raves about Spencer Fano’s character. Says the expectations they have for him won’t match his expectations for himself.”
And Fano himself said he is “pumped” to play left tackle for the Browns. “I only changed positions (in college) because that’s what my team needed me to do,” he noted.
Revamped Browns Offensive Line Getting Youth
An early look at the offensive line, then, for the Browns–a unit that badly needed a rebuild– has Howard at right tackle and, most likely Teven Jenkins at right guard. Elgton Jenkins is penciled in at center, though he can play right guard if Luke Wypler wins the starting center’s job. Left guard will be Zion Johnson, and now, we know that Fano will be the starting left tackle–for now, at least.
The Browns will also be weighing the health of Dawand Jones as he tries to rehab from a season-ending injury. Jones will be in the mix at left tackle. The expectations, too, are that the Browns are not done on the offensive line. After the trade with the Chiefs, the Browns have a total of 11 draft picks, and are expected to add at least one more offensive lineman.
Spencer Fano Has ‘High-End Athleticism’
Fano has, indeed, been a right tackle, but he began his career as a freshman All-American at left tackle, and the Browns have been clear that they think quality blockers can adjust to being moved along the line.
From the NFL.com scouting report on Fano: “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. …
“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.”
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