Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano is like a wildebeest. It shouldn't be possible for a 6-foot-5 1/2, 311-pound man to move with such speed and quickness. Those physical gifts, combined with pristine technique, is what makes him one of the most appealing prospects in this year's draft.
Recent mock drafts from NFL.com and many others have the Rams selecting Fano with pick No. 13 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Out of the 1,064 mock drafts aggregated by Grinding the Mocks, the Rams have selected Fano in around 7% of them, making him their most drafted offensive lineman in those projections. If that were to happen, it would be the first time general manager Les Snead has selected an offensive tackle before Round 5 in the past three years.
This is not an endorsement of Fano by the Rams, nor is it an indication that they are targeting him. This is simply a reflection of external media linking Fano to Los Angeles in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here's a scouting report on Fano and what he could bring to the Rams offense:
Scouting Report
Despite Fano's his less-than-ideal measurables, he's still a projected top-15 pick. That should put the strength of his game tape into appropriate context.
In terms of percentiles compared to other draft-eligible offensive tackles since 2011, Fano measured 32 1/8-inch arms (second percentile) and nine-inch hands (third percentile), according to mockdraftable.com. This means longer rushers can get into his chest and drive him backward. Fano's size is average (45th height and 41st percentile weight), but his testing numbers were phenomenal.
A 4.91 40-yard dash registered in the 96th percentile, while his 1.72-second 10-yard split (which is significant for linemen who rarely run long distances) was in the 85th percentile. On tape, mosts analysts believe Fano's technique is as impressive as his athletic ability. What he lacks in length, he makes up for with agility and technical prowess.
"Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism," wrote Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. "He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush."
He added that Fano took "extensive reps in prominent run-blocking schemes" during his college career, which will help him translate to the pros.
Fano was named the 2025 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, Outland Trophy winner (best interior lineman, offense or defense, in college football) and a Consensus First Team All-American honors. In lieu of more traditional stats to measure his success, those awards illustrate the dominance Fano displayed last season at Utah.
"An impressive athlete for the position, Spencer Fano is quick out of his stance in pass protection and has the bend, balance and sudden hands to neutralize different types of rushers," wrote Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Fit
After the Rams added cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson and brought back safety Kam Curl, their defensive holes have been plugged. On offense, the only starting spot that is considered open for the taking is WR3, but an upgrade at right tackle after Rob Havenstein's retirement is enticing. Scheme-wise, Fano's athleticism could present some exciting opportunities for growth, especially on screens and outside zone runs, which are both prominent in the Rams offense.
"It's time to plan for the future at the (offensive tackle) position," wrote Eric Edholm in a mock draft for NFL.com. "Fano would be a solid value here. Yes, his arm length (32 1/8 inches) is on the shorter end, but the Rams don't appear to be turned off by less-lengthy left tackles -- Alaric Jackson isn't exactly a pterodactyl."
Jackson's arms are just 3/8 of an inch longer than Fano's. So, like Edholm said, that doesn't seem to phase the Rams too much. Fano thrives on the move, and the Rams' run concepts could make use of that. On duo runs, he can get to the second level in a flash, and on outside zone carries, he has the agility to stay on his man while maintaining leverage.
Head coach Sean McVay has been vocal in his support for fourth-year offensive lineman Warren McClendon Jr., who took over the starting right tackle job last season while Havenstein dealt with injuries. McClendon performed as well as any tackle in the NFL, especially in pass protection where he allowed a league-best 2.9% pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats.
On the left side, Alaric Jackson was awarded a three-year extension last year, so he is under contract through the 2027 season. McClendon's rookie deal expires after next season, but McVay indicated he could be an extension candidate and the long-term the successor to Havenstein.
Personnel-wise, drafting Fano may present a champagne problem, but it would undoubtedly solidify the future of the tackle position for Los Angeles.
