The Browns probably like Spencer Fano's versatility across the offensive line. But where would they play him?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Mock draft 8.0 serves as my official prediction of the first round of the draft.
My takeaways:
1. I think the Browns like more than one offensive lineman and the one they choose depends on whether they stay at No. 6 or drop down to No. 8, No. 9, No. 12 or No. 13. I don’t foresee GM Andrew Berry trading down beyond No. 13. If they trade down that far, that’s where Monroe Freeling of Georgia and Kadyn Proctor of Alabama possibly come into play.
2. If they stay at No. 6, I mocked Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano. He’d be my third choice after Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. I don’t believe the Browns will take Tate, to the chagrin of the majority of Browns fans. I leaned to Fano over Mauigoa at the end because of possible concern about a future disc problem for Mauigoa. I have no idea where the Browns would play Fano if they take him, but Berry seems hell-bent on filling his revamped offensive line with versatile players who can play more than one position. Supposedly, Fano can play tackle, guard or center.
3. Denzel Boston of Washington has been my second-favorite receiver behind Tate throughout this process, and I mocked him to the Browns at No. 24. A big-bodied receiver with strong hands, able to pluck 50-50 balls with ease. I don’t know. Can the Browns use a guy like that?
4. I would rule out Berry trading up from No. 6 or No. 24. But I wouldn’t rule out Berry trading down both times, if able. Ultimately, if he winds up with Fano and Boston, I would consider that hitting two balls off the left-field wall for extra bases. If he is able to get both players and a 2027 first- or second-round pick as a result of a trade, I would consider that a home run. Any trade down should demand a 2027 pick in return, in my opinion, not one in 2026. Unless that extra 2026 pick is then turned into a 2027 pick with a subsequent trade.
5. I am more convinced than ever that Berry needs to find his future center in this draft. Sam Hecht of Kansas State and Logan Jones of Iowa are considered the best centers and are projected to leave the board in Round 3.
6. Other targets for Berry should be a pass-catching tight end and a ball-hawk free safety. My nominations would be Max Klare of Ohio State or Oscar Delp of Georgia at tight end; both are projected in early third round. My free safety would be Bud Clark of TCU, another third-round projection. So maybe Berry would seek an extra third-round pick in one of his potential trades.
7. If Berry selects an edge rusher in any of the first three rounds, I would immediately suspect a post-June 1 trade of Myles Garrett is in the works.
8. Will Berry draft a quarterback? Possibly, but no earlier than the fourth round. Myself, I’d rather sign Josh Dobbs to join the Browns’ QB room.
On to Mock draft 8.0. Letsgo!
Mock draft 8.0
1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Comment: His residency in Vegas will rival that of the Eagles at the Sphere.
2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Comment: Higher ceiling among the pass rushers; GM makes the call.
3. Arizona: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Comment: How can they pass up draft’s purest pass rusher?
4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Comment: Tony Pollard is 29 and with no contract guarantees.
5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Comment: Additional pick at No. 10 cements this selection.
6. Cleveland: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Comment: Browns seem hell-bent on versatility first, but where do they play him?
7. Washington: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Comment: Tough call; trade-down a real possibility.
8. New Orleans: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Comment: When in doubt, help your young quarterback.
9. Kansas City: DE Rueben Bain, Miami
Comment: Trade up to No. 7 for Delane would be preferable.
10. N.Y. Giants (via Cincinnati): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Comment: A roll of the dice on Tyson’s injury history.
11. Miami: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
12. Dallas: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC
14: Baltimore: OG Vega Loane, Penn State
Comment: Best player on board fits their O-line need.
15: Tampa Bay: DE Keldrick Faulk, Auburn
16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
17. Detroit: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
19. Carolina: WR Omar Cooper, Indiana
20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
21. Pittsburgh: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Comment: Steelers are tired of bad offenses.
22. L.A. Chargers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
23. Philadelphia: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Comment: Would soften the blow of passing on Tate.
25. Chicago: DE T.J. Parker, Clemson
26. Buffalo: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
27. San Francisco: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
28. Houston: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
30. Miami (via Denver): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
31. New England: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
32. Seattle: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame