How the Chicago Bears should view Peter Skoronski heading into the 2023 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears should not draft Peter Skoronski to be a left tackle

Before I get into what other analysts thought, here are my notes on Peter Skoronski. Watching Skoronski on tape, I do not see him as an NFL left tackle. I am on record that I find Skoronski to be the best offensive line prospect, but I do not see him handling the left side vs the top defensive pass rushers in the NFL. This goes well beyond the narrative that he cannot do it because he has short arms. Let's get this out of the way first. Skoronski's arm length is 32-1/4". That is well short of the minimum length most teams want of 33" and Ryan Poles seems to like 34"-long or longer.

There are not many left tackles who have been successful with short arms. The one player everyone wants to compare Skoronski to is former teammate Rashawn Slater. We should point out that Slater has at least 33"-long arms. Slater has been elite, but that doesn't mean Skoronski will follow in his footsteps. Skoronski has a solid RAS of 9.28, but Slater has a RAS of 9.65. One key difference is Skoronski's 3-cone score of 5.85. Slater tested 8.91. The 3-cone drill is honestly the most important drill for offensive linemen at the Combine in my opinion.

While watching Skoronski on film, I see a guy who has great footwork. His ability to kick step out with his feet and move diagnigally is better than the other top left tackle prospects. This skill is one reason some analysts probably view him as a left tackle. I don't think that's good enough. He kicks out quickly, but then lacks the length to engage the defender. He allows them to get inside on him too often and if the defender is long and strong, he lacks elite bend and is pushed deep into the pocket.

Peter Skoronski is strong. I find him a better run defender than a pass blocker, despite analysts thinking the opposite. Skoronski pushes guys off their mark when attacking off the ball in the run game. In the passing game, he uses his arm strength to keep defenders at bay by continuously punching and eventually grabbing them when they get close enough. He does struggle though with longer, faster ends who side-step him.

In the end, I think Skoronski can make a solid right tackle. Look at Braden Smith in Indianapolis. He has the same length in arms but does have 2" in height on him. Right tackles typically face the less-talented defensive pass rushers. He has good balance and strength and keeps his pad level low. He has become a textbook tactician who is clearly highly football intelligent. However, when I see him, I see him as a guard. I see him as a guard who can become elite too. Now, let's see how this compares to the analysts.