Welcome, you may be wondering why I am not with Cleveland this year. Well, as I understand, Bidwell won my services in a poker game over this past weekend for the upcoming draft. Or, at least I was told he was on the winning end. Hmm..
Since this is so recent, there wasn’t a lot of time to prepare. It is also noteworthy to mention that the Arizona Cardinals have been trying desperately to trade out of drafting at No. 3. But sadly, no suitors. The Cards were really hoping to build up capital for next year’s draft, particularly with a better-looking QB class. As many would say, quarterback is the biggest need at least after releasing Kyler Murray. So, it looks like we will be sticking with the third overall pick. Let’s be honest, when this draft class walks into the bank, bank security turns off their CCTV cameras. This class is so bad … they make onions cry.
Moving on … despite the massive cap hit caused by Murray, the Cards had a lot of room and were fairly active in free agency. Having a lot of cap space also usually means a lack of talent on the roster, though most of the Cards free agency acquisitions were Howie Roseman-type moves, and none surpassed Budda Baker’s cap number. While Isaac Seumalo is quality guard, the other OL additions were the likes of Oli Udoh, Elijah Wilkinson, and Matt Pryor. This might seem like a time to build up the defense but it does seem like Arizona did enough in free agency to plug some defensive holes and Arvell Reese is gone.
Whichever QB is under center this year will have some quality young pass catchers to work with like receivers Kendrick Bourne, Marvin Harrison Jr. , Michael Wilson plus tight end Trey McBride. So, why not give them as much help as possible? Hate to say it but the likes of Udoh and Pryor are not moving the needle much for Mike LaFleur’s game plan. And Atlanta was more than happy to say goodbye to Wilkinson.
Well, with Reese gone the next two candidates on Arizona’s big board are offensive linemen with those being Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano. Which one?
I must first state that I am not being paid by Head & Shoulders, nor affiliate myself with any other Procter & Gamble hair care products.
We saw the Utah tackle and the 2025 Outland Trophy winner as our best option. Many darn him as a tight end in an offensive lineman body. Spencer Fano is nearly 6’6”, weighing in at 311 lbs, ran a sub 5.0 – 40-yard dash at the combine and he posted an elite athlete (9.74 RAS), score. He is viewed as a better slightly better pass-protector than Mauigoa and since LaFleur schemes demand an athletic, agile offensive linemen, this seems like a great marriage.
Although he has a “lean” build for a tackle and short arms his high-end agility, technique and quick feet make him a premier zone-blocking prospect
While known for his recovery blocking, grip, pass protection he isn’t a leg driver and has a tougher time with a bull rush but still allowed zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and just five total pressures last season in 12 starts.
He is also one of only two ‘true’ freshmen to start at left tackle in Division 1 football their freshman year and made the Freshman All-America first-team, plus other accolades.
Measurables
Ht/Wt: 6-5½, 311
Arms: 32 1/8
40-yard dash: 4.91 seconds (1.72 10-yard split)
Vertical: 32 inches
Broad: 9-foot-3
3-cone: 7.34 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.67 seconds
Fano finished off his college career at right tackle with a boatload of honors and awards such as the Outland Trophy and he was also named Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. Showing off his elite athleticism at the NFL Combine, he found time to take some quality snaps at center. In most eyes, he is a top 10 pick and in ours a top five pick. It also doesn’t hurt that he has had four uncles play in the NFL ( including the one he is named after); I think NFL bloodlines are always a big plus. That type of experience can’t be discounted.
As previously mentioned, his arm length is likely the biggest negative.
He seems like a safe pick but if his arm length does become an issue, you can kick him inside. No, you would rather not use a top three pick on a guard but you are likely looking at a player you’ll hopefully have on your squad the next 10 plus years with All-Pro type ability. Most outlets have him as the first or second best offensive lineman in the draft class and a top 10 overall player. He has an elite athletic profile and has been a starter basically his entire college career. Comes from a family with NFL bloodlines. His older brother and teammate Logan is also entering the draft but may go in the later rounds. Logan got a bit later start due to Mormon missionary work and injury. Spencer is highly regarded as the most athletic draft eligible tackle to come along in the past few years.
And lets be honest , that hair alone should garner this guy a lot of draft love.
Tape/highlights:
2026 BGN Mock Draft Order
1) Raiders (Mailata_in_a_Miata): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2) Jets (Dr.MidnightGreen): Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
3) Cardinals (grantspectations): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
4) Titans (DrBubbles)
5) Giants (ablesser88)
6) Browns (kjb304)
7) Commanders (Jerry Robinson 56)
8) Saints (VetStadiumSection358)
9) Chiefs (Hoosinole)
10) Bengals (chuckelberryfinn)
11) Dolphins (phillyfan)
12) Cowboys (Green Grampa)
13) Rams (All_Hail_Howie)
14) Ravens (215T1LL1D1e)
15) Buccaneers (pascofljoe)
16) Jets (Euegene11)
17) Lions (BCHaas)
18) Vikings (The Player Formerly Known as Mousecop)
19) Panthers (LancGuy)
20) Cowboys (Cravin’ LeBlanc)
21) Steelers (iam4theBirdz)
22) Chargers (Aint1stULast)
23) Eagles (Philly21)
24) Browns (FierceDisc65)
25) Bears (jazztafari)
26) Bills (PhillyTexan)
27) 49ers (granthill7)
28) Texans (CrackTheEaglesNut)
29) Chiefs (z)
30) Dolphins (Booth12)
31) Patriots (Niels Rosenquist)
32) Seahawks (J. Wil)
Now it’s YOUR TURN to vote for who you think should be selected with this pick.
1) Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
2) Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese
3) Cardinals:
See More:
