OT/G – Peter Skoronski

6040-315, 3JR          Park Ridge, Illinois

Games Reviewed: Wisconsin(2021), Michigan St(2021), Wisconsin(2022), Michigan St(2022)

Peter Skoronski (77) OT-Northwestern

Pro: Technique

Skoronski does not have the overwhelming length, size or athletic abilities to hang with pass rushers without being technically sound. Due to this he has put in the hard work to ensure his foot and hand technique are at a high standard to be able to hold up in the pros. Consistently good hand fighting allows Skoronski to keep his chest clean and regain inside leverage from defenders. Marrying this with proper foot movement allows for him to shadow defenders and take advantage of those that don’t have a proper pass rush attack going into the rep.

Con: Size/Length

One of the biggest measurements at the combine is the arm length and height for the offensive tackles. Length is extremely important to playing out on the edge in the NFL. Skoronski looks to be on the smaller side in both categories which shows up on tape. This compromises his ability to play against taller/longer limbed defenders. These defenders are able to get into his chest before he is physically capable. This can allow them to get push and win rushes where Skoronski has little ability to fight against it. On film there has been times where he has lost to long arm moves and looked outmatched to lengthier defenders, setting precedent for when he goes to the pros.

Pro: Power + Athleticism Blend

Skoronski won’t be appearing on a Bruce Feldman freaks list anytime soon. However, the combination he has of get off and power is still NFL level and should translate well immediately, unlike some of the bigger or faster players who need to find a way to marry all their physical abilities together. Skoronski explodes out of his stance, getting into the defender and getting the very important initial push. His functional strength is also great for a tackle. being able to get one on one push both thanks to his get off and leg drive once he is engaged with defenders. He is a player that can be trusted to lead a run blocking unit by example.

Con: Positional Fit

Similarly to a former Northwestern Wildcat Rashawn Slater, Skoronski has serious questions with where he will play in the NFL. He manned the blind side all throughout college, taking over for Slater when he opted out of the COVID-19 shortened season. Despite his playing time at the boundary, the continued measurable question marks make it feel like he is in line to kick inside at the NFL level. Similar to Cincinnati left tackle Jonah Williams, he will need to play perfectly immediately or the guard question will follow him his entire career.

Pro: Anchor

Skoronski weights in at 315 which is the average weight for NFL offensive lineman as outlined by a study performed at the University of Idaho. He carries this weight well, and understands how to deploy it strategically to assist when going against defenders looking to utilize power to get at his quarterback. This combines well with his good foot technique, keeping a wide base and low pad level, to make him one of the best against the power rush. This can also help him if he does kick inside to guard in the NFL, allowing him to match up with larger defenders that he would encounter on the interior.

Positional Projection

I predict Skoronski to fit into one of two projected positions. He may be asked to be an immediate starter at tackle. Depending on how that inaugural season goes on the boundary the team that drafted him will either look to kick him inside and try again at tackle, or allow him to continue to develop. In scenario 2, he is drafted to a team that has no immediate need at tackle and is looking to plug him in at guard. Moving forward they may look to play him there permanently, or use the position change to give him play time while they wait for the departure of their current tackle, with Skoronski waiting in the wings to take over.

Round Speculation

With his ability to be a potential plug and play starter at multiple positions, teams should look to grab Skoronski between the range of 4 and 13. Teams throughout the back of the top 10 and early teens have needs that Skoronski can specifically fill. In general every team would stand to improve by adding him, being able to upgrade any position outside of center. My personal prediction is he will be selected 11th by the Tennessee Titans as seen in my most recent mock draft.