Utah OT Spencer Fano a Top 2026 NFL Draft Target

Browns, Giants, Cardinals and Lions among teams most likely to select the standout tackle

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a dominant junior season. The Provo, Utah native allowed just five pressures and zero sacks in 2025, earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, Outland Trophy, and unanimous All-American honors. Fano's ideal frame, elite athleticism, and strength have him firmly in the conversation to be the first tackle off the board, potentially going as high as the top 5 picks.

Why it matters

Fano's emergence as a blue-chip tackle prospect is significant for several NFL teams in need of offensive line help, including the Browns, Giants, Cardinals, and Lions. These teams have pressing needs at the tackle position and could target Fano early in the draft to solidify their offensive fronts.

The details

Fano was already projected as a first-round pick before the 2025 season and backed up that hype with a dominant junior campaign. He allowed just five pressures and zero sacks all year, cementing himself as the best pass-blocking tackle in the country. While Miami's Francis Mauigoa may also be in the mix to be the first tackle selected, Fano is widely viewed as the top overall tackle prospect in the 2026 class.

  • Fano was a projected top-10 pick before the 2025 season.
  • Fano was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, Outland Trophy award winner, and a unanimous All-American in 2025.

The players

Spencer Fano

A standout offensive tackle from the University of Utah who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Francis Mauigoa

An offensive tackle prospect from the University of Miami who is also expected to be a first-round pick in 2026.

Kyler Murray

The current starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, whose future with the team is uncertain.

Jaxson Dart

The New York Giants' young quarterback who would benefit from having a strong offensive line anchored by Spencer Fano.

Shedeur Sanders

The quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, who was one of the most-sacked QBs in the league in 2025 and needs better protection up front.

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What’s next

The pre-draft process is almost irrelevant for Fano, who would likely have been a first-round pick if he were eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams in need of offensive line help, like the Browns, Giants, Cardinals, and Lions, will be closely monitoring Fano's status and could look to trade up to secure him in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Spencer Fano's dominant 2025 season has cemented his status as one of the top tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. His elite athleticism, strength, and pass-blocking ability make him an ideal target for teams in need of offensive line help, and he could be off the board within the top 10 picks.