The Cleveland Browns turn to rookie offensive tackle Spencer Fano to lead a new offensive line in 2026. He was targeted with the No. 9 pick overall in the NFL Draft, as the Browns management obviously liked what they saw from the University of Utah product.

Fano has shown a little bit of fire during training camp and the preseason, highlighted by a fight with newly acquired defensive end Jared Verse in practice. Verse loved the fight of his new rookie teammate, and said he gained respect with how Fano fought back. Fano brings a little sandpaper to a Cleveland offense that is in dire need of some toughness.

Cleveland’s Starting Offensive Line is all new

In 2025, the Browns had an offensive line consisting of Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, Cam Robinson and Wyatt Teller. All are now receiving their mail in new zip codes. Jeremiah Byers, KT Leveston, Cornelius Lucas, Luke Wypler and Zak Zinter also saw playing time, but none are projected as starters, and Lucas had his contract terminated.

An in-house replacement was Teven Jenkins, who was re-signed to a one-year, $4 million deal. He came on late in the season once Teller went down with a knee injury, and the former second-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2021 fills a need at right guard.

The team added right tackle Tytus Howard in a traded with the Houston Texans, sending a fifth-round pick away. They moved to sign former Pro Bowl center Elgton Jenkins to a two-year, $24 million deal, too, giving the team stability in the middle of the new-look line.

One of the team’s biggest gets in the free-agency market was projected left guard Zion Johnson, who was inked to a three-year, $49.5 million contract, which included $32.5 million in guaranteed money. The former No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers was a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022 after starting all 17 games. He can play right or left guard, as needed. Currently, he is expected to be on the left.

In addition, the team brought in free-agent tight end Jack Stoll, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints. He is no threat to Harold Fannin Jr. for targets, but he will be used when the team wants to beef up and add an extra blocker. He is known for his pass-blocking ability.

A new-look offensive line will take time to jell. There is plenty of talent, but the jury is still out on the chemistry. Expect to see some growing pains, and some dink-and-dunk type plays early in the season, as there just won’t be a lot of time for plays downfield to develop.