Will the San Francisco 49ers be swayed by a single measurable?
Arm length sparked pre-draft discussions ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft when it came to former LSU left tackle Will Campbell, whose 32 5/8-inch arms raised questions despite his impressive résumé. Campbell was ultimately selected No. 4 overall by the New England Patriots.
According to Next Gen Stats, Campbell allowed 14 quarterback pressures in the Patriots' Super Bowl LX loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It was the most surrendered by any player in a single game during the 2025 season.
This year, a similar debate has followed former Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Fano measured in with 32 1/8-inch arms, prompting some evaluators to question whether he may need to shift inside at the next level.
However, Fano bolstered his stock with an impressive overall athletic performance. He ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash with a 1.72-second 10-yard split, added a 32-inch vertical, and posted a 9-foot-3 broad jump.
In his second 2026 NFL mock draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL Media projects Fano to the 49ers at No. 27 overall.
"Short arms have been a big discussion point since the Super Bowl and might cause Fano to slip, but I'm not sure the 49ers would allow him to get past them, considering the athletic talent and scheme fit he could provide at right tackle or a guard spot," Zierlein wrote.
Fano has started 36 of 37 career games for Utah, according to Pro Football Focus. His pass-blocking grade improved from 79.5 in 2024 to 81.5 in 2025, while his overall offensive grade dipped from 92.6 to 84.0. His run-blocking grade also declined from 93.6 to 80.0.
Over the past two seasons, Fano has primarily lined up on the right edge, though he has experience at left tackle, too. In 2025, he allowed just five pressures and zero sacks across 382 pass-blocking snaps.
Fano's 2025 campaign earned him the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman, along with unanimous All-American honors, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year recognition, and a first-team All-Big 12 selection.
The 49ers may need to decide if Fano's upside outweighs concerns about arm length as they look to bolster the offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft.