Spencer Fano lands with Cardinals in Daniel Jeremiah’s 1st mock draft
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah's first mock draft just dropped, and he has the Arizona Cardinals targeting OL help.
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The Cardinals are near the top of the list of teams with major questions regarding the quarterback position, but with Dante Moore returning to Oregon and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza projected to go No. 1 overall, they could be in a situation where other pressing needs are addressed at No. 3.
That’s why NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft of the offseason has Arizona landing Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the third overall pick.
The big question is who will be playing quarterback for the Cardinals in 2026, but there’s no clear QB answer for them at this point in the draft. They make a selection that will benefit whoever ends up under center. Fano has the versatility to play four different spots on the O-line (all but center) if needed.
The 6-foot-6, 302-pound lineman has been one of the top prospects linked to the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick this offseason.
Fano played 37 games in three seasons a Ute. He spent his entire freshman year at left tackle before shifting over to right tackle for the final two seasons of his collegiate career.
After surrendering zero sacks in 12 games in 2025, Fano was awarded the Outland Trophy and earned a unanimous All-American selection. His decision to forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the draft has made him the 12th-best prospect and second-best offensive tackle behind Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s updated big board.
Would Spencer Fano make sense for the Cardinals?
Offensive tackle play opposite Paris Johnson Jr., who posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 76.6, was a major weakness for the Cardinals in 2025.
It wasn’t just the tackle spot, though, with the majority of Arizona’s OL struggling. Center Hjalte Froholdt and his 72.0 PFF grade marked one of the only other bright spots for the unit.
The unit was also impacted by missed games, with Johnson, right tackle Jonah Williams and right guard Will Hernandez sidelined 20 combined games due to injury. Left guard Evan Brown also missed five games due to person reasons and another due to injury.
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Comments
5 Comments
IMO, they should not have fired JG. They should have kept him for another year and fired him the following year if things didn’t improve. The Cardinals need to stop worrying about instant gratification and start putting a real rebuild plan together, and that starts with the O-line. Period. Anyone who disagrees should go watch tennis.
I'd go with Francis Mauigoa at 6'6' 335.....but obviously not if Mighty Mouse is still around at QB.
6'3" 305 may work at Utah but is small in today's NFL.
Then pick OL (any line position) in the 2nd Round too! Then a RB, or CB.
Finally, stack up some multiple 6-7th Round picks to bolster their pathetic Special Teams.
I want whatever of those two who is best RT, the moment they begin that sentaence they can play all positions, stay away from pick. We need a Solid RT, not a guy who is okay everywhere. If those two don't fit that bill then trade down and get more picks.