Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski was often mock-drafted to his hometown Bears before the 2023 NFL Draft. Chicago passed on him at No. 10 to be Justin Fields' left tackle, but Skoronski didn't need to wait long after that to be drafted, going No. 11 overall to the Titans.
Skoronski has a good chance to replace Taylor Lewan right away and start opposite second-year right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. Free-agent addition Andre Dillard is the alternative. He also is an option at guard, a position where could dominate.
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What kind of player and person are the Titans getting? The Sporting News caught up with Skoronski right before the draft in Kansas City courtesy of USAA:
TSN: What would you tell your new fan base about the player their favorite NFL team just drafted in the first round?
PETER SKORONSKI: I would say someone who prides themself on being consistent on and off the field, somebody whom they can rely on for a solid performance and do their job. That's what I pride myself in.
TSN: If you could give a scouting report on your game, what would it read like?
PS: I have strengths in terms of just general explosiveness, pad level and ability to mirror pass rushers. Those are up there for me. I have to work on my hands, both in the running game and pass protection in terms of efficiency and timing. Overall, I think I'm a very athletic, explosive player.
MORE: SN's grades & analysis for every 2023 NFL Draft pick
TSN: Following Chargers first-round pick Rashawn Slater at Northwestern, was top pass protection something that came naturally to you?
PS: I sort of relied on, at least initially at Northwestern, my athleticism, and footwork Those were some things I already had. As I got older through my sophomore and junior years, I kind of developed better hands in my sets. I grew my game technically.
TSN: Which NFL offensive linemen inspired you most as a younger player?
PS: There are tons of guys that I sort of grew up watching. Joe Thomas may be the greatest left tackle of all time and someone I always loved to watch. Growing up in high school, I think Quenton Nelson was such a dominant player in college. Seeing Rashawn play has been great, too.
TSN: Your late grandfather, Bob Skoronski, was a Pro Bowl offensive tackle who won two Super Bowls and is in the Packers' Hall of Fame. How important was living up to your family legacy important to you?
PS: We've been a football family — my dad, my uncles and my grandfather, obviously very into football. I always wanted to play the sport. I wanted to excel the sport. My grandfather being such a great player was something that I sort of tried to pursue and live up to. That's always been a motivation, following in his footsteps and carrying on the legacy of our family of being excellent on the field and off the field.
TSN: Your grandfather was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, How special was it to partner with USAA for a special experience with Whiteman Air Force Base before the draft?
PS: They took us up on a helicopter, which is kind of crazy. They flew us around Kansas City. We got to see the draft site from the helicopter, which was awesome. We also got to check out the B-2 bomber and the A-10. We got to meet a lot of cool people and show our appreciation for them and everything they do for our country. It was a cool experience overall.
