Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed that newly drafted Spencer Fano will take on the role of left tackle next season, sending a very clear message about how the team plans to utilize the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Todd Monken Will Not Use Spencer Fano on the Right Side for the Cleveland Browns
In a press conference held shortly after the first-round pick, Monken revealed more details about one of the most controversial moves so far in the Draft, involving a change from the position where Fano won the Outland Trophy in 2025 in college football.
“Well, I think it’s athleticism, and it’s toughness. I just think all of the above, I mean, do I think that’s a part of it? Reach, of course, that is, and arm length, of course, it is. But there’s other things that are involved with it, other characteristics that go into that.” said Monken.
“I think he’d be an elite guard as well. I think he’d be an elite center. I don’t care where you put him, I think he’s gonna be an elite player.”
Todd Monken says Spencer Fano will play LT. Here’s why the #Browns aren’t worried about a switch after he played RT the last 2 years: pic.twitter.com/q2u32r7O2I
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) April 24, 2026
During the 2025 season, on 356 pass-blocking plays, Fano allowed zero sacks and just five quarterback pressures (according to PFF). Although he started 11 games at left tackle during his freshman year (2023), he has spent the last two years playing on the right side.
PFSN’s Scouting Report ranked Fano #1 among OTs and 12th overall among players available in the NFL Draft with a grade of 88.6. Our analysis highlighted Fano’s unique physical attributes and athleticism, which promise to give opponents trouble.
“Spencer Fano is one of the favorites to be the first tackle taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his raw talent serves as a powerful separator underneath a profile that’s becoming more refined. The 6’5″, 304-pound Fano has a combined athletic and power profile that’s near impossible to replicate.”
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The report on Fano further reads: “He’s always brought rapid recalibration quickness and force as a hand fighter, along with incredible recovery athleticism and range, but in 2025, he built off of that quickness with improved hand strike precision and upper-lower sync, adding upkicks and violent snatches to his game. A scheme-versatile run blocking savant with the elite matching athleticism and recovery to thrive in pass protection, Fano has impact starter potential.”
PFSN’s Ian Cummings, Jacob Infante, and Cam Mellor are reviewing all the first-round picks on YouTube. See what our analysts are saying about Monken’s controversial move regarding Fano.
