Before the Tennessee Titans went rogue on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL draft, the team made a solid pick at No. 11 overall in Round 1 with the selection of Northwestern offensive lineman, Peter Skoronski.
Going into the draft, there were plenty of doubts about where Skoronski will end up at the next level.
Some experts believe Skoronski’s short arms will lead to his being a guard in the NFL. Others, like our Shaun Calderon, believe the rookie has enough qualities in other areas to overcome his arms.
“No, [Skoronski] doesn’t have the ideal arm length you would prefer, but he knows how to compensate for it with fantastic hand usage, explosive athleticism and a cerebral approach to the position that will give him a chance against anybody,” Calderon wrote.
With Skoronski now in Nashville, let’s take a look back at what draft experts were saying in scouting reports ahead of the three-day event.
Shaun Calderon, Titans Wire
Reasons to buy in
Textbook technician who gives himself a chance to win every rep despite his physical limitations on the blindside.
Cerebral blocker who possesses a genuine understanding of angles and leverages and uses it to his advantage.
Plays with a wide base, disciplined pad level, strong hands, and does a nice job of remaining balanced throughout contact.
Is hard to beat due to his consistent ability to time the snap count and his usage of different pass sets.
Explodes out of his stance and beats defenders to the junction point more often than not using his quick and nimble footwork.
Athletically-fluid and scheme-versatile OL who would excel in any run-blocking scheme.
Had the highest pass-blocking grade in the country (93.0), and the second-lowest pressure rate in all of college football (1.3%).
Areas of concern
Has sub-33-inch arms and will likely have to kick inside or risk being exposed against savvier professional defenders who have the obvious length advantage.
If he’s going to remain at left tackle, he has to be technically sound on every rep or risk being beaten like a drum.
He doesn’t have the ideal length to compensate for when he’s late off the snap count and has the potential for some disastrous reps.
Would severely benefit from improving his overall functional strength.
Will need to develop a consistent counter against longer NFL defenders who are going able to get their hands on him first.
Does a good job staying attached when anchoring, but he can still be driven back into a QB’s lap by physically superior opponents.
Possesses a much higher ceiling at OG than at OT.
Natalie Miller, Draft Wire
Peter Skoronski is the most pro-ready and technically sound offensive lineman in this class, he will be able to start day one along the offensive line at either tackle or guard spots and he will be ready to compete with any level of athlete. His refinement and ability will leave offensive line coaches giddy at the idea of a rookie they do not have to mold, and one that can provide secure protection from day one. His ceiling is not as high as perhaps you would like out of the investment you will have to make in him, but the stats and tape sell themselves.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Skoronski spent his college years manning the quarterback’s blindside at tackle, but the body type and skill set are begging for a move to guard, where he can play his best football as a pro. He’s broad across his upper and lower body, but he has short arms. Skoronski plays with a deft blend of technique, feel and power as a run blocker and is capable of thriving in any run-blocking scheme. His lack of length can be a problem against stab-and-charge bull rushers and edge speed, but a move inside would mitigate those concerns. If Skoronski can get his protection anchor sorted out, he has the run-blocking talent to become an instant starter and a top-flight guard.
Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network
Top Reasons to Buy In:
High level of football IQ in all phases
Proficient hand usage and technique to sustain blocks
Position-versatile player who will clear tackle thresholds for some
Effective mover in all concepts in the run game
Top Reasons For Concern:
Functional athleticism to mirror on the edge is sufficient
Arm length and wingspan are untraditionally short
Potential transition to inside after three seasons of playing left tackle at Northwestern
Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports
Peter Skoronski is a pass-blocking specialist with an athletic skill set. He needs to add more weight and power to his lower half. He works hard to anchor. He’s noticeably more effective as a pass blocker than a run blocker. He has plus recovery skill, big-time grip strength, and knows how to reset his hands in pass pro. At times, his hands are late, and that’s when he loses, although he rarely lost on passing plays in college. Overall, he’s a decently high-floor, high-upside tackle.
Oliver Hodgkinson, Pro Football Network
Despite the smaller-than-desired height and length for an NFL OT, the Northwestern product boasts arguably the greatest technical ability of any offensive lineman in the class while being an explosive athlete with high football intelligence and competitive toughness.
Skoronski’s ability to impact the game in multiple phases at a high level should earn him first-round attention, regardless of the question marks over his long-term projection. Whether an NFL team opts to use him at LT or transition him inside to guard, he’s worthy of that level of capital.
Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report
Positives
— Consistently times the snap and explodes out of his stance to gain proper depth and spacing in his pass set and beat rushers to the spot.
— Very good foot quickness with fluid and balanced footwork to mirror and expand his landmarks against wider alignments while redirecting smoothly to cover up counters inside.
— Has quick, active and accurate hands to establish leverage inside the defender’s frame, refit and releverage back inside if he loses initial contact.
— Transitions into his anchor quickly and under control with excellent knee bend and angles to create lift, generate force through the ground and dissipate power.
— Dependable and steady eyes and spatial awareness to recognize, process, pass off and pick up line games and stunts.
— Shows precise and consistent aiming points to fit on defenders in the running game with tight, strong hands to create lift, drive, control and steer.
— Excellent contact balance and recovery skills to stay attached to post-snap movement and shed attempts.
— Plays with very good physicality, effort and leg drive to finish blocks regardless of situation or opponent.
Negatives
— Marginal arm length allows defenders to establish first meaningful contact, gain easy access into his frame and keep him at their fingertips.
— Can get overaggressive and set too far out on edge-rushers, creating a soft inside shoulder that forces him into recovery mode.
Charlie Campbell, Walter Football
Strengths:
Good athlete
Very quick for an offensive lineman
Versatile; can play inside or on the edge
Excellent technique
Quick feet
Gets depth in his drop to neutralize speed rushers
Can play the typewriter to cut off the corner
Natural knee bender
Hand placement
Improved power
Functional strength to get a push
Sustains blocks well
Tremendous blocker at the second level
Fires out of his stance
Skilled to hit combo blocks
Walls off and ties up defenders in the ground game
Exceptional agility
Very fast to the second level
Athletic upside
Lots of experience against good competition
Amazing fit for zone blocking
Weaknesses
Short arms
Lacks length
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