Spencer Fano offensive lineman University of Utah
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 30: Spencer Fano #55 of the Utah Utes llines up on the defensive line during the second half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins took the words “spring cleaning” to a new level this past offseason.
Out went dynamic receiving duo Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Pro Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb, and franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
And in their place came former brass of the Green Bay Packers: former backup Malik Willis, ex-defensive coordinator and now-head coach Jeff Hafley, and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
But perhaps one of the few areas of perceived stability within the organization, despite the unit having mixed performances in 2025, is on the offensive line, where the team are set to start four of five starters from last season this coming year.
Despite this, according to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the position could end up being the very first target for the organization at #11 overall, with one specific name in mind – the University of Utah’s Spencer Fano.
Dolphins Will Pick Spencer Fano at #11 if He Is There – Reid
“Sources have told me the Dolphins are big fans of Utah lineman Spencer Fano and would take him at No. 11.” Reid wrote on April 10. “The team loves his versatility, believing he can play any interior spot or be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle.”
Whilst Miami already has a fairly long-standing player at right tackle, in the form of ex-first round pick and USC alum Austin Jackson, it appears that Reid seems fairly convinced that the Dolphins would be willing to move off him.
“Austin Jackson is entering a contract year, and there are a lot of question marks surrounding his durability. New front offices have leaned on selecting an offensive lineman to start their tenure, so this pairing makes a lot of sense.”
Spencer Fano is one of this draft class’ most highly sought after offensive lineman. Although Fano played at right tackle in 2025, he does have some history on the opposite side, having started 11 games on the blind side in 2023 as a true freshman, he projects as a player who can also slide inside and play on the interior.
Fano’s Short Arms Could Prevent a Move to Right Tackle
In fact, Fano appears to tick all of the boxes with regards to draft evaluation with one big exception – arm length.
Fano has 32 1/8 inch arms, which is far shorter than the baseline desired by offensive tackles in the modern game. The general Mendoza Line regarding arm length for top tackles managing to stay on the outside and not end up being pushed to play on the interior is having 33 inch arms, with some general managers and head coaches – like Andy Reid – preferring a higher minimum of 34 inches.
The former Utah man instead has a closer athletic profile and arm length to Tennessee Titans guard Peter Skoronski, who was believed by many to be the best pure offensive lineman in the draft, but was seen as a likely move inside to guard due to his shorter arms. Arms that came in at 32 1/4 inches, actually 1/8 inch longer than Fano’s.
There have been cases of shorter-armed offensive tackles succeeding in the NFL, but at that length the list is pretty short. Former Indianapolis Colts OT Braden Smith has 32 1/4 inch arms and Patriots left tackle Will Campbell has 32 5/8 arms, which has prompted calls for the latter to be moved inside to guard, where many see him flourishing, after a mixed debut season.
Either way, both a guard or tackle would be beneficial for Miami’s offensive line at this point.