In a recent media session, the newest member of the Cleveland Browns’ defense, Jared Verse, gave a glowing review of rookie OT Spencer Fano. Seeing one teammate raving about another teammate isn’t uncommon, but the fact that Verse, a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2x Pro Bowl DE, is saying this about a rookie offensive tackle is incredibly intriguing.

When asked about how it’s been going up against Fano in practice, Verse said:

“It was good [to go against Spencer Fano]. He’s definitely very strong, I’ll give him that. When he gets his hands on you, he’s going to hold on to you quick. His hands are very fast. He’s very athletic. I like that. I like going up against some good battles.”

Fano’s always been known to have above-average grip strength and movement skills in both phases of the game, and those are two things that elite offensive tackles have always had.

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Though Fano’s powerful in the run game, he had trouble anchoring down and digging in against bull rushers in college, which is what Jared Verse is excellent at. So, for Verse to recognize Fano’s strength is great to see, as most of their battles have been in the passing game so far.

I’m sure Browns OL Coach George Warhop has been working with Fano in this department, as being able to anchor against AFC North pass rushers is a non-negotiable.