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The Cleveland Browns' youthful movement continues to be a massive headline for the organization heading into the 2026-27 season.
This offseason, general manager Andrew Berry did an excellent job of acquiring top-tier talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, including offensive tackle Spencer Fano and a pair of wideouts in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. However, while this year's rookie class has plenty of potential, head coach Todd Monken made it clear that development is the top priority this offseason.
When asked about the alternations between the starters and backups during training camp, Monken told reporters on Wednesday that the rookies have to prove themselves before cracking the starting lineup, including Fano.
“I don’t think it’s fair that every day a young player, unless they’ve proven it, goes with the 1s, even as highly drafted as Spencer was," Monken stated. "The same with the wideouts. They’ve got to earn it. And they’ve all done a great job."
Fano, after an incredible stint with the Utah Utes, was the Browns' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Berry managed to trade down three spots and secure the young talent, with the hopes that he could be the organization's cornerstone left tackle.
However, while Fano was viewed as the best offensive tackle in the previous draft, fans understood that the well-polished lineman could face adversity during his rookie season.
Throughout his college career with the Utes, Fano played a majority of his snaps on the right side of the offensive line. Still, he does have some experience on the left side, as he played 542 snaps at the left tackle position as a freshman. His first season as a starter was his worst, so 2026 would clearly be a development year for Fano.
If Monken does elect to start Dawand Jones over Fano to start the season, the move could be detrimental to the rookie's development. Unlike the quarterback position, offensive linemen need all the reps they can get in order to develop in the NFL. Benching Fano in favor of Jones, who has received numerous opportunities since joining the team in 2023, would be a mistake.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' HC Todd Monken explains rookie development process
Continue reading...
This offseason, general manager Andrew Berry did an excellent job of acquiring top-tier talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, including offensive tackle Spencer Fano and a pair of wideouts in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. However, while this year's rookie class has plenty of potential, head coach Todd Monken made it clear that development is the top priority this offseason.
When asked about the alternations between the starters and backups during training camp, Monken told reporters on Wednesday that the rookies have to prove themselves before cracking the starting lineup, including Fano.
“I don’t think it’s fair that every day a young player, unless they’ve proven it, goes with the 1s, even as highly drafted as Spencer was," Monken stated. "The same with the wideouts. They’ve got to earn it. And they’ve all done a great job."
Will Fano start for the Browns in 2026?
Fano, after an incredible stint with the Utah Utes, was the Browns' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Berry managed to trade down three spots and secure the young talent, with the hopes that he could be the organization's cornerstone left tackle.
However, while Fano was viewed as the best offensive tackle in the previous draft, fans understood that the well-polished lineman could face adversity during his rookie season.
Throughout his college career with the Utes, Fano played a majority of his snaps on the right side of the offensive line. Still, he does have some experience on the left side, as he played 542 snaps at the left tackle position as a freshman. His first season as a starter was his worst, so 2026 would clearly be a development year for Fano.
If Monken does elect to start Dawand Jones over Fano to start the season, the move could be detrimental to the rookie's development. Unlike the quarterback position, offensive linemen need all the reps they can get in order to develop in the NFL. Benching Fano in favor of Jones, who has received numerous opportunities since joining the team in 2023, would be a mistake.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' HC Todd Monken explains rookie development process
Continue reading...
