The Cleveland Browns’ first-round pick, Spencer Fano, didn’t waste time sending a message to Myles Garrett after being selected No. 9 overall in the NFL Draft.
The Browns made Fano the first offensive lineman off the board, adding the Utah big man as part of their reconstruction project up front.
“His character was first, I mean, the way he’s wired,” Browns head coach Todd Monken said. “I think the expectations that we will have for him won’t even match that he has for himself. His athleticism, his toughness, I mean, when you want to start off the first year of your regime, you talk about what you want: character, toughness, athleticism, he has it all.”
Cleveland is likely to run out an entirely new starting offensive line compared to a year ago. The team has also acquired tackle Tytus Howard, center/guard Elgton Jenkins, and guard Zion Johnson. The Browns also selected tackle Austin Barber in the third round and center Parker Brailsford in the fifth round.
Spencer Fano: Myles Garrett May Be Best Player in the World
Garrett was one of the first players on Fano’s mind after hearing his name called. By landing in Cleveland, the rookie tackle won’t have to deal with the nightmare of lining up across from him on Sundays. Garrett is coming off an NFL single-season record 23 sacks. He can make even elite tackles look overmatched.
“I feel like I just gotta be honest, one of my first thoughts was I don’t have to play Myles Garrett on Sundays. So that’s something to be excited about in itself,” Fano said. “But I mean, just to be here, be with these teammates, to be able to play for these fans. It’s an honor.”
Fano is embracing the “iron sharpens iron” mindset and knows exactly what it means with Garrett on the other side.
“I’m so excited,” Fano said. “There’s no better way for me to get better than going up against someone like that. He might be the best player in the world — so to compete against him every day is a blessing.”
There is some uncertainty around Garrett’s future with the franchise. The Browns have been battling trade rumors and the All-Pro pass-rusher has yet to make an appearance at the team’s voluntary workouts.
Spencer Fano Will Play Left Tackle With Browns
In Fano, the Browns are getting one of the most decorated offensive linemen to come out of college football in recent memory. Fano earned Freshman All-America honors in 2023, first-team All-America honors in 2024, and unanimous All-America honors in 2025, while also taking home Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.
He became the first Utah player to win the Outland Trophy — awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman. Over three seasons with the Utes, he appeared in 37 games with 35 starts, splitting time between left and right tackle. The Browns have made it clear that they view Fano as their left tackle of the future.
“We’re really excited about Spencer and his potential at left tackle,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “He’s super athletic, very versatile, elite makeup. We think that’s a big foundational piece to that position group.”
The Browns also built out their wide receiver depth chart, taking KC Concepcion with their second first-round pick and Denzel Boston in the second round.
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