With the top of the NFL Draft board dominated by quarterback talk, league sources indicate the Cleveland Browns are quietly open for business, potentially trading down to target a foundational offensive tackle. The Detroit Lions have a hole at left tackle, and sources believe they’ve zeroed in on Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. But the Cleveland Browns’ interest in a similar player, Spencer Fano, could force Detroit’s hand earlier than they’d like.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, it’s pretty much a guarantee that they will take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first selection of the draft, and it’s been that way for a while. So the fun begins when the New York Jets are on the clock with the second pick. And with all the talk of Jeremiyah Love as well as Ohio State players ending up in the top 10, few have focused on the offensive tackles, until now.
Offensive tackle has always been a priority position in the NFL draft, most specifically athletic and agile pass blockers who can protect the quarterback’s blind side. Unfortunately, this year’s draft does not include a dominant, highly rated player at that spot, but rather projections and prospects who need time to develop their games.
In talking with people around the league as they prepare for final draft meetings, Utah’s Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa of Miami are neck and neck at the top of the position, followed by Kadyn Proctor of Alabama, and finally Monroe Freeling from Georgia. But where could they land in the draft?
Let’s start with the Cleveland Browns, who presently own the sixth pick of the draft.
Spencer Fano, Utah
I reported from Utah pro day that Cleveland believes Fano, who played right tackle for the Utes, possesses the athleticism and agility necessary to move to the all-important left side. The tape bears that out, as do his testing numbers. Fano timed 4.91 seconds in the 40 at the combine with a 10-yard split of 1.72 seconds and hit 32 inches in the vertical jump and 9-foot-3 in the broad jump.
He also timed 7.34 seconds in the three-cone, all outstanding marks for a 6-foot-5.5, 311-pound lineman. During pro day, he completed 30 reps on the bench. His arms measured 32 7/8 inches. But taking Fano with the sixth pick may be a bit rich for the Browns.
Multiple sources have told me that Cleveland is open to moving down a few slots and will entertain trade offers, then consider selecting Fano. Yet they can’t move down too far, as the Kansas City Chiefs are also very high on Fano, who they would keep at right tackle to fill a major hole on that side of the line. I’ve heard all along that Kansas City is leaning heavily towards the offensive tackle position with the ninth pick of the first round, yet can they afford to pass up cornerback Mansoor Delane, given the losses the team experienced at the position last month?
The New York Giants are also interested in Fano and are bringing the offensive lineman in for an official 30 visit.
Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
The wildcard is Proctor.
He’s one of the tallest and biggest of the projected first-round tackles, and teams were incredibly impressed with his combine and pro-day workouts. His movement skills were off the charts for a blocker that large, and several teams came away from Alabama’s pro day last week believing Proctor can play left tackle on Sundays. There are even some who think he’ll sneak into the top 10 of the draft.
Those I’ve spoken with believe the latest Proctor ends up in the draft is the 17th pick, presently owned by the Detroit Lions. They need a left tackle after releasing Taylor Decker, and Proctor gives them an option, along with Penei Sewell, the 2021 first-round pick who was a star at Oregon on the blind side before moving to right tackle after the Lions drafted him in 2021. More than anything, the Lions want to run the ball and hope to extend Jahmyr Gibbs before the season starts. They believe the combo of Sewell and Proctor would be a dominant run-blocking duo.
