With the NFL Draft just around the corner, all eyes are on the top of the draft board, where quarterback talk dominates the conversation. However, league sources have revealed that the Cleveland Browns are quietly open for business and are considering trading down to target a foundational offensive tackle. This news has caught the attention of many teams, including the Detroit Lions, who are in need of a left tackle. Sources believe that the Lions have set their sights on Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. But the Browns have their own plans, and it involves drafting Spencer Fano.
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the most talked-about teams this offseason, and for good reason. After a successful 2020 season, where they made it to the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, the Browns are looking to build on their success and become a perennial contender in the AFC. With a solid core of young talent, including quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb, the Browns are in a prime position to make some noise in the upcoming draft.
However, the Browns’ focus seems to be shifting towards the offensive line, and for good reason. Despite having a strong running game, the Browns’ offensive line struggled at times last season, especially in pass protection. This was evident in their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Mayfield was under constant pressure and sacked three times. The Browns are determined to address this issue and solidify their offensive line for the long term.
That’s where the potential trade down comes into play. With the 26th overall pick in the draft, the Browns are in a prime position to trade down and acquire more draft capital. This would allow them to address their needs at offensive tackle while also adding depth to other positions. And according to sources, the Browns have their sights set on Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle from the University of Southern California.
Fano is a highly-touted prospect, with many experts projecting him to be a top-15 pick in the draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 315 pounds, Fano has the ideal size and athleticism to be a dominant offensive tackle in the NFL. He is known for his quick feet, strong hands, and ability to anchor against powerful pass rushers. Fano also has experience playing both left and right tackle, making him a versatile option for the Browns.
But the Browns are not the only team interested in Fano. The Detroit Lions, who hold the seventh overall pick in the draft, are also eyeing the talented offensive tackle. The Lions have a glaring hole at left tackle after trading away their former starter, Taylor Decker. And with a new head coach in Dan Campbell and a new quarterback in Jared Goff, the Lions are looking to build a strong foundation for their offense. This makes Fano a perfect fit for them.
However, sources believe that the Lions’ interest in Fano could work in the Browns’ favor. If the Lions do indeed select Fano with the seventh pick, it would leave the Browns with a tough decision to make. But if the Lions pass on Fano, the Browns could potentially trade down and still have a chance to draft him while also acquiring more draft picks.
The potential trade down and selection of Fano would be a win-win situation for the Browns. They would be able to address their needs at offensive tackle while also adding more talent to their roster. And with a strong draft class at the position, the Browns could potentially find their long-term solution at left tackle.
In conclusion, the Cleveland Browns are open for business, and their potential trade down could have a significant impact on the rest of the draft. With the Lions eyeing Kadyn Proctor and the Browns targeting Spencer Fano, it will be interesting to see how things unfold on draft day. But one thing is for sure, the Browns are determined to build a strong and dominant offensive line, and their actions in the draft will reflect that.
