The Baltimore Ravens have some major needs to fix in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while most of the focus is on what they’ll do at No. 14, there’s a fair share of focus also looking down on how their AFC North rivals fare. Well, we have our first pick that Ravens fans might actually be celebrating.
After trading back with the Kansas City Chiefs, dropping from No. 6 to No. 9, the Cleveland Browns made their selection. The newest member of the Browns is offensive tackle Spencer Fano (Utah).
Tackle was the biggest need for Cleveland, and they certainly did well by trading down, receiving No. 74 (second round) and No. 148 (fifth round) in addition to No. 9. However, Fano is a rookie who comes with major concerns. That should have the Ravens' defense very excited.
Cleveland Browns’ take big swing on rookie tackle that could backfire in Baltimore Ravens’ favor
First things first, Fano is a talented player. I actually had him as the third-ranked player for Baltimore’s selection at No. 14. He’s an excellent athlete who demonstrates good technique and a good ability to adjust when reps aren’t going his way. Why is this a gamble? Fano may not have what it takes to be a starting NFL tackle.
Fano’s biggest question mark has been well-documented. His arm length sits at 32 ⅛ inches. That’s extremely short for a tackle and ranks in the third percentile for tackles. Sure, you could plug him in at guard, and that versatility is incredibly valuable. However, with the way the Browns’ free agency went, it seems like he’s going to be their left tackle.
Cleveland signed Zion Johnson in free agency to be their left guard, and Teven Jenkins is slotted to be their right guard. Left tackle is the only position up for grabs right now, and it looks like that’s going to be Fano’s. It could backfire in a massive way.
After signing Trey Hendrickson and drafting Mike Green in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ravens now have what it takes to make the Browns pay for that potential mistake. It’s a complete 180 from where they were last year, and with new head coach and defensive mastermind Jesse Minter calling the shots now, too, he could make life extremely difficult for the newest Browns rookie.
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