Chiefs Draft Utah OT Spencer Fano to Replace Jawaan Taylor

Kansas City adds a polished, athletic offensive lineman with their first-round pick.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round picks, and in the latest mock draft from NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, the team selects Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano to replace the recently released Jawaan Taylor. Zierlein believes Fano can step in immediately at right tackle or potentially move inside to guard in the future.

Why it matters

With Patrick Mahomes coming off an ACL injury, reinforcing the offensive line is a top priority for the Chiefs this offseason. The release of Jawaan Taylor has created an opening at right tackle, and Fano is viewed as a polished, athletic prospect who can help solidify the offensive front.

The details

The Chiefs have been active in free agency as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. Adding Fano with one of their first-round picks would give them a potential long-term starter at a key position on the offensive line.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • The Chiefs released Jawaan Taylor earlier this offseason.

The players

Spencer Fano

A highly regarded offensive tackle prospect from the University of Utah.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback, who is recovering from an ACL injury.

Jawaan Taylor

The former Chiefs right tackle who was recently released by the team.

Lance Zierlein

An NFL.com analyst who released the latest mock draft featuring the Chiefs' selection of Spencer Fano.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“The Chiefs stick with their best-available mindset and add a polished, athletic offensive lineman who can step into the right tackle spot or bump inside in the future if need be.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to address other needs, such as the secondary, with their remaining first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' selection of Spencer Fano in the first round would provide them with a potential long-term solution at right tackle, a key position on the offensive line as they look to protect Patrick Mahomes and return to the playoffs in 2026.