We’re off and running in the 2026 NFL Draft and the Cleveland Browns wasted no time in making some noise. The Browns got on the board with the first trade of the draft. 

The Browns moved out of pick No. 6 back to No. 9 in a move with the Kansas City Chiefs. With the move, the Browns picked up a third-round and fifth-round pick at Nos. 74 and 148 overall. 

It’s felt like it was trending this way for the last couple of days with the Browns and they still picked the player at No. 9 that they likely would have gone with at No. 6. 

Browns fill major need with first pick in 2026 NFL Draft after trading back

Last season the single biggest issue for the Browns was how bad their offensive line was. Insert a 6-foot-5, 311-pound bulldozer of an offensive tackle into what the Browns have done this offseason by adding G Zion Johnson, G Elgton Jenkins, and OT Tytus Howard into the mix. Again, the Browns adding extra value while taking a player they likely would have selected at No. 6 had they stayed is a terrific turnout. 

Spencer Fano is one of the most unique offensive linemen in this draft class. It’s a rare day when you can find a pure offensive lineman who can legitimately play anywhere on the offensive line at a good-plus level. Fano has started at both left and right tackle in his collegiate career, and has worked out at guard and center pre-draft. He’s the most athletic tackle in the class, with excellent movement skills to handle speed on the perimeter. Fano’s power is underrated, but his smaller arms and light lower half limit some of his ability to win with or against power rushers. While Fano should be allowed to start at tackle based on his film, the shorter arms will no doubt have some traditional offensive line coaches wanting to move him inside. No matter where he lines up, Fano’s easy athleticism and quality fundamentals should make him a strong starter right out the gate. If he can land in an outside zone-heavy offense, the sky is the limit for his upside regardless of his position.

Spencer Fano's run blocking tape (as a true So.) is behind only Penei Sewell and Tyler Linderbaum out of the college OL I've watched. Elite zone blocker who is just as effective driving people off the LOS pic.twitter.com/G6QP8r2FcL

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) June 30, 2025

Cleveland needed to fix the offensive line and it was the bottom line. The Browns are now set to find a wide receiver in the draft, run it could be the best player available from there. Cleveland going offensive line with the first pick was the most logical outcome and they made it happen. 

Grade: A