This week started the 10-day countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, and so far, we've only learned of a few first-round prospects who earned 30 visits with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But after hosting USC star receiver Makai Lemon last week, general manager Omar Khan could be poised to go with the ultimate BPA selection in round one after the latest reported visit.
On Monday, ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported that Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano is meeting with the Steelers as a 30 visit. Pryor also noted that Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green and Alabama wideout Germie Bernard were meeting with Pittsburgh's brass.
Fano is particularly interesting.
The exceptional offensive line prospect out of Utah is coming off his second straight impressive season at just 21 years old. Fano declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after his junior season, and some draft experts believe he has five-position flexibility across the offensive line.
With this pre-draft visit, Fano is firmly on the Steelers' Round 1 radar, and if he's somehow still on the board at pick No. 21, this would be an extraordinary value selection.
Spencer Fano could be the best player available when the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock in Round 1
It's important to have reasonable expectations when it comes to a true first-round-graded player like Spencer Fano. Because of his outstanding film and athletic profile, it's unreasonable to expect the Utah star to be on the board when the Steelers are on the clock in the first round.
However, there's always a chance Fano could slip through the cracks or Pittsburgh could move up a few spots to land him. And if they do, this could be one of the biggest steals of Round 1.
Fano is the 12th overall player on Pro Football Focus' big board. On Dane Brugler's top 100 prospect list, Fano is 8th overall. And the general feel is similar across many draft experts. Based on these rankings, Fano is widely considered one of the best players of the 2026 class.
It doesn't hurt that Fano followed up his incredible tape with remarkable athletic testing. He recorded a 4.91 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, along with a 32-inch vertical, a 111-inch broad jump, and a ridiculous 7.34 3-cone. Fano's testing numbers match the foot quickness we see on tape.
There's only one dilemma with this Steelers visit: where would Pittsburgh play him?
Fano played exclusively at right tackle for the Utes over the past two seasons—logging over 1,500 snaps at RT since 2024. Before that, he spent over half a season at left tackle in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Steelers drafted Troy Fauntau to be their right tackle, while Pittsburgh has much bigger questions at left tackle. Broderick Jones is coming off a season-ending neck injury, and, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, he may not be part of the long-term plans.
The Steelers may feel comfortable enough to flip Fano over to left tackle if they are able to land him in Round 1, or they could always experiment with moving Fautanu back to left tackle, where he played at Washington.
The other factor to consider is Fano's short arms. The Utah prospect measured in with just 32 1/8'' arms at the NFL Combine, and many teams will be scared off by this number. But it's only because of Fano's disappointing arm length that we are talking about the Steelers having a shot at him in the first round.
If all else fails, and Fano doesn't work out as a tackle, he has the flexibility to kick inside to guard. This theoretically gives him a high floor at the next level. The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo in free agency this offseason, so they could use talent at the position.
Selecting a versatile offensive lineman in Round 1 like Spencer Fano wouldn't be as flashy as taking a wide receiver at pick No. 21, but if Fano makes it this far, there's an excellent chance he's the best overall talent remaining on the draft board.
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