As March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks as the team continues year two of the Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles era.
While Chicago invested in left tackle last offseason, drafting Ozzy Trapilo, he's expected to miss most of the 2026 season. The Bears did retain veteran Braxton Jones in free agency, and signed former first-round pick Jedrick Wills to a one-year deal, adding both to a group that already includes undrafted free agent Theo Benedet. Left tackle may not be the biggest need for Chicago but adding a long-term option may not be a bad idea, especially since the front office can't hinge on Trapilo returning to pre-injury form.
One name that could make sense in the first round, if he falls to No. 25 overall is Utah Utes left tackle Spencer Fano.
Let's get into our scouting report on Fano.
Spencer Fano, Utah, (6-foot-5, 311 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing. His athletic profile is designed for move-based blocking schemes where he can pull, reach and climb while beating opponents to the spot with quickness/feel for hitting landmarks on time. He gives good effort as a downhill blocker but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses. Fano's level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups."
Film:
Strengths:
- Movement skills are easy to spot on tape and will translate into today's NFL.
- Hands and feet are always moving in pass protection.
- Athleticism is prevalent on every rep that he plays.
- Spent time at Utah playing both left and right tackle, giving him plenty of experience at both spots.
- Physical playing style will translate well to the next level as a guy who elevates those around him.
- Plays with a high level of body control, keeping his technique in place when taking on linebackers and safeties.
- Strong anchor that holds up well against any type of edge rusher.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to add a little bit more strength to his frame to take another step forward.
- Teams may look at his shorter arms and be hesitant to place him on an island early on.
- Opens up and exposes his chest in pass protection, leaving him vulnerable to being driven back in the pocket.
- Has to learn to play with lower pad level.
- Shorter arms could mean that a team drafts him but kicks him inside to guard.
Does Fano fit the Bears offense?
Fano's college tape over the last few years at Utah shows a player who is incredibly seasoned and has a lot of experience under his belt. For a team like Chicago that wants the offensive line to be a physical unit that imposes its will on opponents, Fano's physicality and lateral movement skills will translate into him being a long-term starter at the next level. His ability to climb to the second level and take on linebackers and safeties as a run blocker while being a solid pass protector will make him a real building block for the offensive line, should Chicago choose to draft him.
Conclusion:
Overall, Fano is a well-rounded player who's ability to play both tackle spots is an added bonus for any team that decides to draft him. As a rookie, there will be a slight learning curve but he has the potential to develop into a real stud player. While his shorter arms mean that he could kick inside to guard at the next level, his starting experience at both tackle spots will be hard to ignore for teams that are looking for a long-term solution at the tackle position.
Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. 1 site covering the team!