The Cleveland Browns traded down three spots in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but they still managed to get their guy. Spencer Fano was the first offensive tackle off the board, and the Browns are hoping he can be their blindside protector of the future.
The early returns have been promising. He's been the first player on the field and the last to leave since spring workouts, and he's been coachable and excited to learn. Still, that doesn't mean he's ready to be thrown into the fire at this point in his development.
That's why Todd Monken and offensive line coach George Warhop aren't ready to just hand him the starting left tackle job. Fano will have to earn his playing time just like everybody else, top-ten pick or not.
And with Dawand Jones reportedly in the best shape of his career, the veteran fourth-round pick has at least a puncher's chance to start the season at left tackle.
“I think there’s a world in a number of spots where a player could end up starting there as you get the other players up to speed,” Monken said. “We’re not really there yet. Let’s start with Dawand. He’s in the best shape of his life. I mean, he’s out there competing, talking smack, seems to be in a really good place that we want to reward that. And we also want to bring Spencer along at a pace we feel like is the best to build his confidence. And I think (offensive line coach) George Warhop is doing a great job with that.”
The Browns might lean on Dawand Jones while Spencer Fano develops
As disappointing as it may seem, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Fano played right tackle in college, and he's still learning the ropes of the position at the next level. He's a quick learner who's eager to get better, but time is of the essence right now.
Fano has stayed after practice and has worked out with Jared Verse. His footwork and hand usage have gotten better, and getting to face one of the most physical pass rushers in the league on every drill will force him to sink or swim.
“He’s trying to get Spencer better," Monken said of Verse. "And I watched it. I stood right behind it. And I’m like, I’m listening to what he’s talking to him about. And it was like bang, bang, bang, bang, bang. It was like five reps in a row of his footwork and then talking through what he was going to do."
Jones, on the other hand, comes with extensive experience on both sides of the line. He's been a bit of a mixed bag, but he's shown the potential to be a starting-caliber tackle.
He looked particularly sharp as a rookie right tackle when he replaced the injured Jack Conklin during the 2023 season. Despite giving up three sacks, Pro Football Focus gave him a 73.0 pass-blocking grade on 710 snaps. He hasn't looked as sharp since, but it's no coincidence that his best season came when he played more often.
Of course, Jones has suffered a season-ending injury in every season, so it's hard to feel confident about his availability. That said, it's not like the Browns need him to be out there for the entire season. They just need a placeholder to hold down the fort until Fano is ready.
Top 10 draft picks are always expected to make an immediate impact, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. Fano still has his best years ahead of him, and the Browns shouldn't be feeling pressure to rush him this offseason.
Fano's doubters claimed that he was better suited to move to the interior because of his shorter arms (32 1/8 inches). That certainly hasn't looked like a problem in training camp, but all players have to go through a learning curve and some growing pains before taking the field.
If anything, the Browns should feel good about their offensive line depth. If needed, they could afford the luxury of having their prized rookie develop on the sidelines while a proven veteran handles things early on in the season.
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