Spencer Fano is a perfect fit for the Texans, but is he worth the heavy investment?
The Houston Texans need to protect CJ Stroud in order to be Super Bowl contenders. Their defense is outstanding and carried them through the playoffs. However, they could only do so much when Stroud was constantly pressured, which resulted in four interceptions. Arguably, the biggest positional need is at right tackle, where a perfect prospect pairing awaits in Utah's Spencer Fano. Unfortunately for them, the Texans would have to bank on him falling or trading significant draft capital for him.
So this brings up the question: Should the Texans consider trading up for him?
Before making a judgment, it’s important to understand what the Texans would get with Fano. He is considered a “pro-ready” tackle who is a day-one starter for a team. He pairs impressive movement skills with elite technique to make him a premier prospect in this class.
Fano’s agility is among the best in the class, especially in the run game. He has excellent lateral quickness, which helps him beat a defender to a spot, which fits perfectly in the Texans zone running scheme. Additionally, he can climb to the second level and eliminate a linebacker or defensive back from the play. He has bad intentions while blocking, looking to level someone to the ground. Combine this with his relentless motor, often playing after the whistle, and he becomes a mauler.
In pass protection, he’s equally impressive. Fano has impressive footwork and is rarely unbalanced, even if a defender gets hands on him. He has iron-clad hands that don’t release from a defender once he gets a hold. This makes it nearly impossible for a defender to escape and make a play on the quarterback. He has excellent technique and uses it to mitigate the threat of an opposing edge rusher.
With the previously mentioned qualities, it’s unlikely he falls to pick number 28. He’s a projected top 15 pick who will likely go off the board around there. The Texans have shown the willingness to trade up highly in the draft, the 2023 draft, for instance.
It would likely take the Texans 2025 and 2026 second-round picks, plus number 28, to make the move into the top 15. That’s the lowest offer a team would accept; it’s possible a future first would be required instead of the seconds as well.
Every fan will have their own opinion, but it may be wise to grab a franchise right tackle. If he goes top five, it’s nearly impossible they would pull the trigger, but it would make sense if it were a little later. Only time will tell if the Texans will do it, but regardless, Spencer Fano would be a perfect pairing for them.