Spencer Fano OT Utah | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Spencer Fano OT Utah
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: Left/Right Tackle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 05/06/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (97%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: Left/Right Tackle | |
| Last Updated: 05/06/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.90 seconds (97%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 88.4 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Pass Blocking: |
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81% |
| Run Blocking: |
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93% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 10
Overall Rank:
#9
Position rank:
#3
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| College Games: 25 College Snaps: 1382 | ||
ESPN RATING: 82/100
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247 RATING: 97/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Christian Darrisaw - Virginia Tech |
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86% |
| Rashawn Slater - Northwestern |
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86% |
| Paris Johnson Jr. - Ohio State |
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84% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Spencer Fano exploded onto the national scene as a true freshman at Utah, becoming one of only two first-year players in Division I to lock down the critical left tackle position to start the 2023 season. The Spanish Fork, Utah native parlayed his early success into a dominant sophomore campaign that cemented his status as an elite offensive line prospect. The 6'5", 304-pound tackle logged 25 appearances with 24 starts split between both tackle positions, showing remarkable versatility as he transitioned from primarily left tackle (11 starts) as a freshman to exclusively right tackle (13 starts) in his sophomore season.Fano's collegiate rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After a freshman campaign that earned him CFN Freshman All-America first-team honors, the Polynesian lineman elevated his game to new heights in 2024. His sophomore season performance garnered multiple All-American selections (PFF First Team, AP Second Team, Walter Camp Second Team) while securing First-Team All-Big 12 recognition from both coaches and AP voters. Beyond his on-field dominance, Fano maintained academic excellence, earning Academic All-Big 12 Team honors and even showcasing surprising athleticism by rumbling into the end zone for a two-point conversion against Colorado.
The bloodlines run deep for Fano, whose football pedigree extends through multiple family connections. His brother Logan currently lines up alongside him on Utah's offensive front, while several uncles – Gabe Reid (Bears), Spencer Reid (Panthers), Teni Palepoi (Chargers), and Anton Palepoi (Broncos/Seahawks) – all reached the NFL level. This heritage, combined with his Polynesian roots and exceptional physical tools, has established Fano as one of the premier offensive tackle prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive power generator in the run game who creates immediate vertical displacement and consistently finishes blocks with authority – looked like he was shot out of a cannon pulling around the edge against Colorado.
- Possesses rare movement skills at his size with exceptional change of direction and body control – displays the fluidity of a tight end when climbing to the second level or adjusting in space.
- Creates devastating torque with strong hands and natural leverage – routinely steers defenders completely out of running lanes once he locks in, finishing them into the dirt.
- Processing speed jumps off the film, particularly in recognizing and handling stunts – makes rapid mental adjustments that allow him to smoothly handle complex pass rush packages without hesitation.
- Shows refined kick-slide mechanics with excellent foot quickness and efficient lower body movement – rarely oversets or exposes his inside shoulder in true pass sets.
- Displays outstanding recovery ability when initially beaten, using balanced footwork and core strength to re-anchor and reset his protection with minimal wasted movement.
- Plays with contagious intensity and unmistakable swagger – brings legitimate nasty to every snap and has cultivated a feared reputation for punishing defenders who challenge him directly.
- Already showcases veteran-level communication skills with fellow linemen – consistently makes pre-snap adjustments and coordinates protection schemes like a fifth-year senior.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Hand placement can drift outside the frame when facing elite speed rushers, leaving him vulnerable to holding calls – showed up repeatedly against Midway's Tanner Williams in their Big 12 showdown.
- Occasional lapses in concentration lead to premature kickback and set timing issues – creates unnecessary depth that invites inside counters, particularly against crafty rushers.
- Currently lacks ideal mass distribution at 304 pounds and will need to add functional strength to his lower half while maintaining his exceptional movement patterns.
- Can be overly aggressive in pass protection, creating forward lean that compromises his balance against savvy defenders who understand how to use his momentum against him.
- Despite quick hand speed, punch timing remains inconsistent – sometimes delivers strikes too early before establishing proper position, allowing defenders to work through contact.
Scouting Report: Summary
Fano profiles as a Day 1 starting tackle with Pro Bowl upside who will immediately elevate a team's running game while providing reliable pass protection. His exceptional movement skills combined with natural power make him scheme-versatile, though he would absolutely shine in a wide-zone system that maximizes his ability to move in space.His biggest NFL hurdle will be adding proper mass while maintaining his elite movement patterns. Teams will debate whether his future lies at tackle or guard given his arm length concerns, but the tape shows a player fully capable of handling edge speed at the next level. What separates Fano from other athletic tackles in this class is the violence he brings to the position – he doesn't just win blocks, he demoralizes defenders with his finishing mentality.
While some tackles in this range require developmental runway, Fano offers immediate impact potential with an already diverse technical toolbox. His combination of intelligence, athleticism, and nasty demeanor gives him legitimate blue-chip status.
How other scouting services rate Spencer Fano (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
9.2
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
2.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.