Browns Nab No. 9 Pick OT Spencer Fano in 2026 Draft Thriller

PITTSBURGH — In a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cleveland Browns secured the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Utah Utes offensive tackle Spencer Fano on Thursday night. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman, projected as a top-10 talent, addresses Cleveland's pressing need at left tackle after injuries plagued the position last season. Fano, who allowed just two sacks in 1,200 pass-blocking snaps during his college career, brings elite athleticism to a Browns line that surrendered 52 sacks in 2025.[1][2][4] The deal saw the Browns part with their original No. 14 pick, a 2027 first-rounder and additional assets, showcasing GM Andrew Berry's willingness to mortgage the future for immediate impact. Fano's selection caps a first-round flurry for Northeast Ohio, where fans packed draft parties from Berea to Lake Erie shores, chanting 'Dawg Pound' as his name flashed on screens. Earlier rounds saw Berry pivot from edge rushers, instead loading up on trenches talent with Round 3 pick OT Austin Barber at No. 86.[1][4] Ohio ties abound in Cleveland's haul: Later picks included Cincinnati native tight end Joe Royer at No. 170, a 6-5, 240-pound Buckeye transfer who caught four passes for 24 yards in 14 games at Ohio State before dominating at UC. The fifth-rounder, acquired via trade with Denver, joins Round 7 TE Carsen Ryan from BYU, giving quarterback Deshaun Watson a pair of towering targets. 'Ohio kids stepping up for the Browns — that's our blood,' said Royer post-selection.[1][2] With Round 1 EDGE rushers like Toledo's Emmanuel McNiel-Warren going earlier amid trade rumors, Berry doubled down on protection over pass rush, a calculated risk as Myles Garrett enters his age-31 season. The full 2026 class: No. 9 OT Spencer Fano, No. 86 OT Austin Barber, No. 146 OL Parker Brailsford, No. 170 TE Joe Royer, No. 182 QB Taylen Green and No. 248 TE Carsen Ryan. Analysts project Fano as an instant starter, fueling playoff hopes for a franchise starved for Lombardi glory since 1964.[1][3][4]