Spencer Fano’s pick witnessed one of the more notable behind-the-scenes developments from the 2026 NFL Draft involving a potential trade that also featured the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas reportedly offered picks No. 12 and No. 20, along with a fifth-round selection, in exchange for the Cleveland Browns No. 9 and No. 24 picks. The Browns ultimately declined the offer and chose to stay at No. 9, where they selected Fano.
According to Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein, Browns national scout Zach Ayers strongly advocated for Fano during internal discussions. Ayers said that the team had graded him as an “orange dot” player, and this designation reserved for prospects with elite character and makeup.
Ayers also reportedly argued that Fano projected as the best offensive tackle in the class due to his athleticism, strength, quickness, and versatility as both a pass protector and run blocker. It is safe to say that Cleveland ultimately prioritized securing a high-floor offensive tackle over the additional draft capital Dallas was offering. That decision was strengthened by Fano’s 2025 season at Utah, where he did not allow a sack or quarterback hit across more than 800 offensive snaps.
As for the Cowboys, they adjusted their approach after being turned away by Cleveland. They moved up from No. 12 to No. 11 in a trade with the Dolphins, eventually selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Analysts gave the Cowboys an “A” for securing Downs.
Dallas also traded back from No. 20 with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire more capital, eventually taking Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. The Cowboys ended up with seven new players, but they ultimately did not make selections at their original No. 12 or No. 20 slots.