Why Browns drafted Spencer Fano over Francis Mauigoa at No. 9 after Chiefs trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns executed a trade-down with the Kansas City Chiefs, landing the 74th and 148th picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to move down three spots.
Then, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports, the Browns are drafting Spencer Fano, the Utah offensive tackle, with the No. 9 pick.
But, there's a bit more intrigue about this pick, however, as the Browns took Fano over Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Why did the Browns take Fano over Mauigoa?
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The Browns have been focused on adding a ton of help along the offensive line this offseason, so an offensive line pick at No. 9 overall for Cleveland makes a ton of sense.
There are a few reasons why the Browns are taking Fano over Mauigoa. First, the Browns are taking the more versatile offensive lineman who can start at left tackle right away, or take over an offensive guard spot.
He most likely will fill in at left tackle, while Mauigoa is more of a right tackle. The fit for the Browns makes more sense, but there's another key reason for this pick.
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Mauigoa has some injury risk, as he has a herniated disk, which is a reason for caution for teams in this year's draft.
The New York Giants took Mauigoa one pick after the Browns, but for Cleveland, a team that needs instant help, compared to the Giants, who have two tackles ready to go in 2026, the picks for these respective teams make a lot of sense.
Cleveland is taking the safer offensive lineman at No. 9 overall, getting someone they might've selected at No. 6, but instead adds a third rounder and an early Day 3 pick from the Chiefs in a savvy move from Andrew Berry.
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