2023 NFL Draft Profile: OL Peter Skoronski

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• While it may sound like hyperbole, Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski brings the best blocking and technique palette to the draft, by far. The six-foot-four, 315-pound Lake Ridge, Illinois native garnered plenty of hardware during his career in Evanston. After starting as a true freshman in 2020, Skoronski earned back-to-back First Team Big Ten Honors in 2021 and 2021. Additionally, he was voted a unanimous All-American in 2022, with the Rimington-Pace Award for big conference lineman added for good measure. He projects as an upper half of the first-round pick.

Strengths

From pressing play on his film, the prospect leaps off the screen with picture-perfect technique. With hands and feet moving in a rare synchronicity, Skoronski meets the opponent with a technical effort. Yet, he does not look robotic in his movement. Instead, without false steps or missed punches, the prospect will either meet the defender, using the strike area or flashing the consistent knack for driving the would-be tackler from the play. Skoronski uses opposing momentum to flow with the opponent. Versus bendy edge rushers, the readily available kickstep and hand placement win. On athleticism in tight space alone, Skoronski would be a first pick. If you add in the off-the-charts football IQ, athleticism, strength, and poise, his draft stock raises even higher. Moreover, he could easily excel at either left tackle or guard. Actually, Skoronski could play anywhere along the offensive line with aplomb.

Weaknesses

Honestly, the only drawback to Skoronski’s game is something beyond his control. His arms measure at thirty-two-and- a quarter inches long. As a result, some teams fear that he will not be able to reach wide-rushing ends without overcommitting his torso. Some fear that hyperextension will leave the blindside vulnerable to a secondary move to get home. If you see other analysts, they proclaim Skoronski a guard, which could drop his draft stock like a stone.

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Ideal Role

immediately, Skoronski become the starter at left tackle. Granted, the arm-length concerns will not dissipate. Yet, with his technique and football acumen, anywhere along the line works. However, if a team selects him high, Skoronski will play as a left tackle. Pass-heavy teams will love employing a tackle that you can leave totally alone on the outside, without chip help or tight ends. Despite his intellect, the project will attack defenses with nastiness. Not flag-inducing anger, but a shadow of the whistle, a clean brand of blocking. Provided that the offense runs with pace and precision-based efficiency, Skoronski should earn multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.

Potential Fits

By the time you read this, Aaron Rodgers could head east. With his trade, Green Bay should receive at least a first-round draft pick.  That gives the Packers the thirteen and fifteenth overall pick.  Under the circumstances, Green Bay could begin to rebuild the offensive line. While talented, David Bakhtiari carries both a steep cap number and recent injury history. Now, Skoronski may not immediately start as a left tackle, but he could bide his time on the interior, while Bakhtiari plays out his deal. The Packers will field veteran backs, and a young receiving corps, surrounding a young quarterback. With his expertise in frigid Midwest temperatures and technical skills, Peter Skoronski fits well in Green Bay.