Spencer Fano could be the final piece to Chiefs’ offensive line overhaul

The Kansas City Chiefs have made heavy investments in the offensive line over the last three years. They made Creed Humphrey the highest-paid center in football, Trey Smith (at one point) the highest-paid guard in football, and Jawaan Taylor one of the highest-paid right tackles in football. They signed Jaylon Moore to a modest contract, drafted Kingsley Suamataia in the second round, Hunter Nourzad in the fifth round, and CJ Hanson in the seventh round, then followed that up by spending a first-round pick on Josh Simmons in 2025. Should the Chiefs really invest in another offensive lineman?

Considering the fact that when Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL he had three undrafted free agents starting in front of him, there never feels like too much of an investment in the offensive line. Also, considering the money the Chiefs are paying along the interior of the offensive line, getting two cost-controlled tackles feels like a significant advantage to their cap situation. It’s also worth noting the Chiefs still have tackle questions on the right side, as Jawaan Taylor could become a cap casualty and Jaylon Moore has looked better on the left side than the right.

The Chiefs have to protect Patrick Mahomes at all costs, especially as he returns from a major knee injury. Part of the Chiefs’ need for an identity change on offense stems from not using their best asset on the offensive line, which is three-body movement along the interior. Spencer Fano could be a high-level run blocker at the tackle position and help Kansas City redefine its run game.

To stay updated on the best prospects in the 2026 Draft, be sure to bookmark the Arrowhead Addict Big Board, our custom draft board tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and roster.

NFL Draft Profile: Spencer Fano, Offensive Tackle, Utah

Height: 6-6

Weight: 308 LBS.

Tape Exposure: Kansas State (2025), Texas Tech (2025), Cincinnati (2025)

Shades of: Spencer Brown

Spencer Fano's background

A four-star recruit, Fano was the top prospect in the state of Utah and the seventh-rated tackle in the nation (via 247 Sports). After being recruited by Clemson and Michigan, Fano decided to stay in-state and commit to Utah. He started as a true freshman and hasn’t missed a game in his college career. Fano was awarded the Outland Trophy in December, the top honor for college football offensive linemen.

Why Spencer Fano fits the Chiefs

Movement Skills

Fano is a loose and fluid athlete who is frequently used as a puller in the run game and looks for work well down the field. He has a smooth kick step and rarely gets beaten around the arc. His athletic ability allows him to regain balance and recover within a rep. He moves and is built like a high-level tackle.

Technique

Fano is a polished pass protector with over 300 pure pass (non-RPO) sets in his college career. He keeps his center of gravity well, mirrors rushers, and has the hand technique to counter pass-rush moves. He’s very good at keeping his feet moving around the arc to prevent holding penalties and washing edge rushers out of the pocket.

Run Blocking

Fano is a weapon in the run game because of his movement skills, contact balance, and high-end motor. He is always looking for work and plays through the whistle, and he is one of the first players to help teammates up or celebrate down the field on a big score. He is effective in the pull game and has experience in both gap and zone schemes.

Why Fano might not fit the Chiefs

Anchor

Fano is going to have to get bigger and stronger at the next level, as he is susceptible to power-based edge rushers. If he cannot get his feet set in pass protection, he struggles to lock out rushers.

Point of Attack

Fano uses a lot of flash technique in pass protection, meaning he strikes quickly at the rusher’s chest. Despite his long frame, some believe he could need to move inside because of inconsistent hand usage and mass. He will need to add weight or strength to consistently win on the outside at the next level.

Is Fano a long-term solution for the Chiefs?

The Chiefs, much like the Chargers a few years ago, have a chance at landing a high-level pick with an elite quarterback in place. The Chargers had Joe Alt fall into their laps and made the smart decision to draft him. The Chiefs aren’t as fortunate—if there were a tackle prospect of that caliber available, it would be a no-brainer to finish off a strong line with another young, cost-controlled tackle. Fano does many things the Chiefs like, and he looks the part with a long frame and long arms.

However, there are concerns about him as a pass protector that might make him no sure thing on the outside, similar to some of the questions surrounding Evan Neal’s play strength. Fano could be a big hit or a big miss, depending on his development at the next level.

Overall, Spencer Fano is a high-ceiling tackle prospect who, with growth, could become a Pro Bowl-caliber player. His movement skills, run blocking, and frame make him a toolsy prospect with some flaws.

Round Grade: Purple Chip (1st round pick)