How Utah's Spencer Fano could fit with the Detroit Lions

Draft month, finally, has arrived. Continuing our series that began this month and will run until the 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23, The Detroit News will spotlight one prospect a day who could be a first-round fit for the Detroit Lions , who own the 17th overall pick. Assuming the Lions don't trade out, it'll be their highest selection since running back Jahmyr Gibbs went No.

12 in 2023. Today's focus will be on Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano. By the numbers ▶ 12 appearances in 2025 ▶ Five pressures allowed (five hurries) ▶ 822 offensive snaps (440 run blocking, 382 pass blocking) ▶ 0 special teams snaps Career overview Hailing from a football family, it's no surprise Fano, with four uncles retired from the NFL and a cousin (Karene Reid) currently active with the Denver Broncos, is next in line to continue his ancestral legacy.

Fano starred at Utah's Timpview High School and was rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 95 prospect in the Class of 2023 before he joined the in-state Utes over offers from Clemson, Michigan and Oregon. Fano hit the ground running under head coach Kyle Whittingham, making 12 starts (11 at left tackle) over 13 appearances as a true freshman.

He allowed 21 pressures on 293 snaps as a pass blocker that season, taking some lumps along the way but showing enough to earn a starting spot as Utah's right tackle the following year, opposite Caleb Lomu, another potential option for the Lions in the first round. Fano allowed 14 pressures as a sophomore in 2024 and had an overall offensive grade from Pro Football Focus (92. 6) that led all tackles.