Why Spencer Fano Could Be the Texans’ Missing Piece - But at What Cost?
If the Houston Texans are serious about chasing a Super Bowl in the CJ Stroud era, they need to do one thing above all else: keep their franchise quarterback upright. The defense?
It’s already playing at a championship level. But the offensive line - particularly the right tackle spot - remains a glaring need, and it showed in the playoffs.
Stroud was under siege, and the pressure led to four costly interceptions. That can’t happen if this team wants to take the next step.
Enter Spencer Fano, the standout tackle from Utah who might just be the answer. The fit between Fano and the Texans is almost too perfect.
The only problem? He’s not likely to be around when Houston is on the clock at pick No.
- If they want him, they’ll probably have to go up and get him - and that won’t come cheap.
What Makes Fano Special?
Let’s start with what Fano brings to the table. He’s not just another high-upside prospect - he’s a plug-and-play tackle who could start on Day 1.
His game is built on a foundation of elite movement skills, polished technique, and a nasty streak that offensive line coaches love. Simply put, he’s one of the most complete tackles in this class.
In the run game, Fano’s agility stands out. His lateral quickness is top-tier, allowing him to beat defenders to their spots and thrive in zone-blocking schemes - exactly what the Texans run.
He’s not just moving bodies; he’s erasing them. He climbs to the second level with ease and finishes blocks with authority.
He plays with an edge, often through the whistle, and that physicality would bring a new tone to Houston’s offensive line.
In pass protection, he’s just as reliable. Fano’s footwork is clean, and he rarely gets caught off balance.
Even when defenders get into his frame, his grip strength is elite - once he locks on, it’s game over. That kind of anchor is exactly what Stroud needs on the edge, especially against the AFC’s deep pool of pass rushers.
The Draft Dilemma
Here’s the challenge: Fano is widely projected as a top-15 pick. That means the Texans would need to move up - and significantly - to secure him.
Houston has shown a willingness to be aggressive in the draft before, most notably in 2023. But this kind of move would likely cost them their 2025 and 2026 second-round picks, plus this year’s No. 28 selection.
And that might be the starting point. Depending on how high they want to go, a future first-rounder could be the price of admission.
So the question becomes: is Fano worth that kind of investment?
Weighing the Risk and Reward
There’s no easy answer. On one hand, giving up multiple premium picks is a steep price.
On the other, franchise tackles don’t grow on trees - and when you have a young star quarterback like Stroud, protecting him becomes priority number one. Fano isn’t just a safe pick; he’s a foundational piece who could solidify the right side of the line for the next decade.
If he somehow slips outside the top 10, things get interesting. That’s the range where a trade-up becomes more feasible, and the Texans could pounce. But if a team inside the top five falls in love with Fano’s tape - and there’s plenty to love - he might be out of reach entirely.
Still, the idea of pairing Fano with Stroud is tantalizing. The Texans don’t just need a right tackle - they need the right tackle. And Fano checks every box.
Whether they make the move or not, one thing is clear: Spencer Fano looks like a tailor-made fit in Houston. The only question is whether the Texans are willing to pay the price to make it happen.