NFL experts react to Cleveland's savvy move back to pick nine and still grab Spencer Fano at pick 9.The Cleveland Browns pulled off a very savvy move in the 2026 NFL Draft. In one swift move, they moved back three spots, acquired two additional picks, and with the ninth overall pick, they still grabbed what many believed to be the top tackle in this year's Draft.The Browns sorely need offensive line help at nearly every position, and in this offseason, they got it. They addressed left guard through right tackle in free agency, and on Thursday night, they nailed down their left tackle position with the selection of Utah guard Spencer Fano.According to ESPN's Ian Rapport, this is who the Browns were going to select at pick number six, but they were able to trade back, acquire two additional picks, and still get their guy.Here is what the national media has to say about the move.Browns traded down 3 spots...got more capital...and still got OT #1 Spencer Fano at No. 9 who a ton of people were mocking to them at No. 6well played— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 24, 2026The #Browns will select Utah OT Spencer Fano with the No. 9 overall pick.Cleveland got the player they would've taken at No. 6 and were able to add a 3rd and 5th in the process. pic.twitter.com/THHNtNyck6— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 24, 2026BROWNS SELECT UTAH OT SPENCER FANOthoughts? pic.twitter.com/a0nTAosTQe— McNeil (@REFLOG18) April 24, 2026Browns coach Todd Monken said Spencer Fano will play LT in Cleveland.— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) April 24, 2026PFSN gives the Browns a B for this pick. 📊Spencer Fano posted a 94.0 PFSN College OL Impact grade in 2025. pic.twitter.com/htFzV3PT7c— PFSN (@PFSN365) April 24, 2026Spencer Fano was drafted in round 1 with pick 9 in the 2026 draft class.
He scored a 9.80 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 34 out of 1645 OT from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/KngrWzaMaOpic.twitter.com/84T09xQOpU— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 24, 2026Spencer's game is all about intelligence and awarenessNFL Draft on NFLN, ABC & ESPN pic.twitter.com/SElupCEhTn— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 24, 2026Andrew Berry has talked tirelessly about maximizing the value of his draft picks. Whether it be with drafting a player, trading for more draft picks or trading for veterans he is all about maximizing the value.
To do that, you must take a couple of risks, and he certainly did that. The Browns have so many holes on their roster, and filling them in this draft is of paramount importance. To get their left tackle of the future, they also get a swing at a third-round pick and a swing at a fifth-rounder because of it.Andrew Berry has certainly swung and missed several times in the draft in the past.
However, this year, he stuck to his guns, stayed to his process, took a risk with a trade back, and capitalized on what he wanted to execute.All things considered, Andrew Berry moved incredibly well to start the first round. He has to do it again at the end of the first round. Cleveland now owns picks Cleveland now owns the 24th, 39th, 70th, 74th, 107, 148, 149, 206 and 248th pick of this year's draft.
Don't count out their ability to climb back in, or higher into the first round. This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns fans react to savvy first round move to acquire Spence Fano