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

Analysts are split on where Peter Skoronski could play in the NFL

Lance Zierlein - NFL.com

Let's start with what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has to say about Peter Skoronski. His player comparison is Zach Martin -- another former OT who moved inside to play guard and has played guard at an elite level most years. Zierlein believes that Skoronski can play in any scheme. He also states that his length could be a problem against bull rushers, but a move inside would mitigate those concerns.

Kyle Crabbs - The Draft Network

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network believes that Skoronski's ideal role would be at left guard. Like Zierlein, he believes that Skoronski is scheme versatile. Crabbs speaks highly of Skoronski's technique and football IQ. He mentions that he could be a tackle in some teams' eyes. Crabbs talks about his effectiveness to move in the running game (same as I said). He also speaks about Peter Skoronski struggling with his wingspan and consistently getting his hands attached against fast, strong bull rushers (again, the same thing I saw).

Pro Football Focus (PFF)

PFF speaks highly of Peter Skoronski and believes he can be a tackle despite his shorter arms. The site talks about his hand strength being his biggest strength and I definitely agree with that based on what I saw on film. The site also believes he is versatile and can play almost any position on the offensive line. They expect whichever team drafts Skoronski will give him a shot at tackle before moving him inside should he struggle. Sounds similar to many former OTs who had short arms.

NFL Draft Buzz

More of the same over at NFL Draft Buzz. The site had this to summarize Peter Skoronski:

"Skoronski is a great all-around offensive lineman with the potential to become a very good starter in the NFL. He has an impressive three years of college experience, having started for Northwestern since his freshman year. He's an experienced, technician, whose feet balance and hand usage are all already elite, giving him an edge over other players in this draft class. He has the perfect combination of athleticism and skill and has demonstrated he's the pass blocker in the draft class. He, however, doesn't have the ideal size for a pro left tackle and his limited arm length may put pro teams off and see him as more of a guard prospect. Skoronski is still the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in this draft class, and for that reason, he'll likely be the first offensive lineman selected in the 2023 NFL Draft"

- NFL Draft Buzz

Look, I do think that Peter Skoronski could play right tackle. In fact, I think Skoronski would be a better right tackle than Paris Johnson who I view as a left tackle. When you watch Paris Johnson's film, you see the natural bend that left tackles need more consistently than you do when watching Skoronski's film. In December, when starting my analysis, I thought Skoronski's bend was fine, but I have changed my opinion on that as it just isn't consistent. That said, everything I see from him on film, plus some of his measurables, tells me the Chicago Bears should view him as a guard.

I don't understand why everyone is up in arms about Skoronski playing guard. Adam Hoge of CHGO_Sports caused the uproar on their show by calling the take lazy. If you say he can't be a tackle only because of his short arms, then that is lazy. But other factors are in play here. He could be a decent right tackle, or he can be an elite guard. That's how I view him and I'd prefer he's elite. If Chicago takes him at nine, I have no problem with him playing left guard. Quenton Nelson went sixth overall in 2018 and we'd love to have him in Chicago.