Spencer Fano NFL Draft Scouting Report

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Utah OT Spencer Fano

Spencer Fano enters the 2025 season widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2026 draft class. After starting 24 of 25 career games (11 at LT, 13 at RT), he posted an exceptional 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024—best among FBS tackles—while maintaining a strong 79.5 grade in pass protection. He combines high-end athleticism, polished technique, and scheme versatility, projecting as a Day 1 starter at either tackle spot, and even as a guard if necessary. His frame, movement, and work ethic anchor him as a first-round lock.

At 6’6″, approximately 304-308 lbs (depending on source), Fano plays with uncommon flexibility and range for a lineman of his size. His transition from left tackle as a true freshman to right tackle and back demonstrates his adaptability. He thrives in both run-dominant and timing-based pass-scheme environments, making him one of the most complete tackle prospects in the 2026 class.

Film Summary

Fano’s tape stands out for its blend of technical mastery and athletic traits. In the run game, he displays elite steps, pad level, leverage, and ability to climb to the second level. His performance on wide-zone schemes, pulling blocks, and generating vertical displacement is near elite. In pass protection, he shows polished mirror steps, recovery agility, and coordination to handle stunts and late-rushers. His major concern remains his slightly lean frame and occasional struggle with heavy bull rushers or inside counters.

Ideal Scheme Fit

Zone-and-Power Hybrid Offense — best suited for teams running 11- and 12-personnel sets, with both heavy-run and play-action elements. Fits schematically in offenses like the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, or Kansas City Chiefs, where tackle athleticism, mobility, and technical proficiency are prime assets. Fano is comfortable as a left or right tackle and in heavier personnel groupings.

Key Strengths (Film-Based Traits)

• Elite run-blocking mastery: From first step to finish, Fano consistently dominates blocks, executes on wide-zone, power, and inside-zone schemes.

• Fluid athletic mover: Possesses impressive body control, bend, and center-of-gravity adjustment for a tackle his size.

• Footwork & recovery: His mirror ability, lateral agility, and balance enable him to remain in front of rushers and reset when beaten.

• High football IQ and consistency: Rarely misses assignments, communicates effectively, and shows veteran habits despite his relative youth.

• Versatility: Started at both tackle spots, giving him multi-spot value and scheme flexibility for NFL offensive lines.

Developmental Areas (Growth Opportunities)

• Functional strength/mass: At around 304-308 lbs, he shows some lean-in-the-pants issues and may need to add more lower-body bulk to sustain power against NFL bull-rushers.

• Punch assertiveness in pass protection: While technically sound, his hand strike timing can be passive; needs more violent hand usage and finish in one-on-one pass sets.

• Anchor vs. elite edge rushers: A few reps show him being displaced by extremely strong, explosive edge rushers; the durability of his anchor remains a conversation.

• Versus inside counters: On occasion, the quicker inside movement of defenders gets him reaching or over-extending his kick set.

Grade and Projection Summary

• Football Scout 365 Grade: Near Elite

  A technically refined, athletically gifted offensive tackle with very high starter potential now and Pro Bowl appeal in time. He already plays like a seasoned veteran, with only a few size/strength nuances to polish.

• Ceiling Grade: Elite Starter

  With continued mass/strength development and enhanced hand strike aggressiveness, Fano has the tools to become a dominant NFL left tackle and long-term building block.

• NFL Draft Projection: Early 1st Round (Top 10)

• Pro Comparison: Charles Cross / Bernhard Raimann hybrid — combines Cross’s athletic movement and flexibility with the positional versatility and effort of Raimann.

Final Analysis

Spencer Fano projects as an immediate asset at the next level — one of the rare offensive linemen who can start Day 1 with minimal expansion needed. His combination of elite athleticism, refined technique, and multi-spot versatility makes him a high-value pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While his frame isn’t the most massive for a tackle, his functional strength, strike consistency, and body control mitigate many traditional size concerns. With further strength training and hand-usage maturation, Fano has the upside to anchor an offensive line for a decade. He’s a first-round lock with legitimate Pro Bowl ceiling.