Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’6
Weight: 305
Stats: 2025 (11 games) – 770 snaps, 345 RBLK, 424 PBLK, 1 sack allowed, 14 pressures allowed, 4 penalties
Class/Age: Junior, 21
Team: Utah
Positives:
Fano possess a massive frame that will easily hold more muscle mass as he ages in the NFL and continues to develop his muscle mass. Additionally, Fano has experience playing both left and right tackle, though his future does seem to be at right tackle in the NFL. The junior is an exceptional run blocker providing elite first step quickness and lower body power to pair with high end technical traits. Fano does an exceptional job keeping his arms inside the defenders shoulder pads, utilizing his size and LBP, along with a high motor to drive defenders and create rushing lanes. Fano has an exceptional IQ in the run game with the ability to quickly come off combo blocks, pull blocks, and others to disengage and get to the second level where he then looks to get to the third level as well. Fano has exceptional hip flexibility with a smooth lower half and innate ability to bend for his size and figure. He shows good ankle flexibility with the ability to turn and keep the edge in pass rush situations while also utilizing his hips and footwork in run blocking at a phenomenal level to drive through defenders. Fano pairs this with extremely high end lower body power that allow him to anchor as a pass protector vs bull rush situations while also utilizing leg drive in the run game. His footwork pairs well with this showing good quickness and a subtle quick kick step that allows him to get into his rep well and utilize his athletic build with muscle and technique to win reps consistently. Fano has good reaction speed with his feet that allow him to recorrect, scissor, and win after initial issues. He does a good job utilizing his heavy strong hands at the POA and preventing pass rushers from crossing his face, once Fano gets a hold of pass rushers arms and shoulder pads it’s usually a done deal for the rep. He holds good balance and weight distribution with an ability to keep his weight centered and play through the center rod preventing leaning in the run game and pass protection. Fano is good in space with great short area quickness and a nasty streak that plays through the rep consistently.
Weakness:
Fano has a good build but he’s a little thin and he will need to bulk up 15+ pounds to add extra muscle to prevent bigger edge rushers and the rare defensive tackle at 5T to beat him with their strength and LBP. Additionally, Fano does struggle in pass protection at times with counter moves and can get caught up with opponents variety of pass rush techniques. His hand placement is inconsistent and can cause him to get grabby once beat by twitchy pass rushers causing flags or he’ll completely whiff and give up an awful looking rep. Additionally, Fano has a tendency at times to step first with the wrong foot which leaves him exposed and also gives away the concept to the pass rushers allowing an easier pass rush plan to be generated, which is something that can be fixed in the NFL quickly. Fano does struggle to get depth in his pass rush quickly and his lateral movement skills at times does leave a little to be desired which could become a flaw vs twitched up pass rushers. Fano will need to get better at opening his shoulders and hips leaving his chest exposed which causes for him to get pushed backwards or allows defenders to jab and chop at him throughout the rep, something that will be taken advantage of more in the NFL. Consistency is a massive flaw between his footwork, mental aspects, hand placement, technique, and balance control which can cause bad reps and lead to flaws going forward vs NFL pass rushers. Fano doesn’t utilize his aggressive nature as often as he should and in pass protection will let defenders come to him instead of engaging early on which can cause a rep to be engaged longer than it should be. Fano doesn’t have any major injuries but he does get banged up frequently with ankle, shoulder, and some chest injuries that will need to be monitored in the NFL though common for his playstyle.
Grade: 1.38- Early 1st Round
Pro-Comp: Troy Fautanu (PIT)
Fano is going to be a long time starter in the NFL, that’s not a question but the question could come if he does stick at tackle. His inconsistent nature at times is a flaw that if not corrected will kill his future at tackle before it can really begin and force a kick into guard. Additionally, Fano really needs to develop the strength in his upper body and a little more strength in his lower body in order to succeed consistently in the NFL, while already strong he does lack core strength which can cause for flaws in pass protection. Fano is the player that will anchor an offensive line for years and is a core run defender that allows an offense to effectively have a guaranteed lane behind him due to his elite blend of technique, strength, and instincts in both zone and gap schemes. Fano does have a good blend of athleticism, technique, and strength but needs to add more strength and muscle at the NFL level to reach an All-Pro level. The Raiders have a need on their offensive line and addressing that through Fano could allow them to fix guard or tackle depending where they view him at. The selection makes sense for Las Vegas if they are to pick in the 9 or lower range, but if they are picking inside the top five it’s no doubt a reach.
See More:
