Should Jets Pick Peter Skoronski in First Round of 2023 NFL Draft?

Peter Skoronski is projected to be a first-round pick, but this former NFL scout thinks otherwise.

Author:
Daniel Kelly
Publish date:
Jan 31, 2023 6:21 PM EST

In this story:

In our ongoing series about possible offensive left tackles New York may select in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, we take a deep dive on Northwestern's Peter Skoronski.

The Jets have the No. 13 pick and according to the consensus of mainstream draft platforms (nflmockdraftdatabase.com), this Wildcats' left tackle is projected to go No. 11 overall to Tennessee.

A number of these draft platforms are absolutely in love with Skoronski.

The Draft Network, The Athletic, Pro Football Focus, SB Nation, Draftwire, Chicago Sun Times, Baltimore Sun, San Diego Union Tribune, Newsday, 247 Sports, Sporting News, NBC Sports Boston, Athlon Sports, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, Fox Sports, Barstool Sports, USA Today, NFL.com and CBS all have tagged this Northwestern left tackle with a first-round grade in the month of January.

Now that's what I call a consensus.

Something of Jets' interest is The 33rd Team, founded by former Jets' General Manager Mike Tannenbaum (my former boss my last two seasons in pro scouting), put a first-round grade on Skoronski as well on January 9 while mocking him to Green Bay at pick No. 15.

I am not nearly as high on Skoronski as The 33rd Team or the rest of the free world in the NFL.

Why not?

Sure, he's a dominant run blocker, but that's not why a team drafts a left tackle in the first round in today's pass-happy NFL.

The main issue is Skoronski’s pass blocking skills.

While this didn't cause major problems at the college level for Skoronski, this isn't college anymore.

This is the NFL.

Ratcheting up the level of competition to the NFL level is a whole new ball game, and this is my main concern.

A first-round left tackle needs to have an elite skill set and look polished doing it.

That's not this guy.

Skoronski looks like a guard trying to play left tackle on game film.

His hand technique and lateral footwork aren't up to par, and that's a huge concern since the best pass pass rushers in the league come off that side of the line.

Believe you and me, if a team drafts Skoronski and puts him out there in space at left tackle, these elite pass rushers will test this rookie early and often, and see what he has for an answer.

I can't be the only one seeing this stuff on game film.

Left tackle at this level is not a position that’s very forgiving, and those who have issues with their hand work and lateral footwork don't last.

Grading Peter Skoronski

6-foot-4, 315 pounds

2021 game film reviewed: Michigan State, Rutgers and Wisconsin

2022 game film reviewed: Penn State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin

Grade: Third-Round (High-upside developmental prospect)

Talent upgrade for the Jets: Yes

Scouting Report

Tough mauler who is an elite run blocker, but he has technical issues in pass blocking. In pass pro, showed a quick initial kick step outward and looked the part setting up initially in the shallow depth of the pocket. Initial pass blocking set up showed improvement from 2021 to 2022. Handles vanilla pass rushes with ease. Often shows outside hand placement at the point of attack, which allows defenders to get too far into his body. Does show a consistent tendency once he absorbs pass rushers to stop moving his feet, which leaves both the front and back doors to the pocket vulnerable and susceptible to pressure. While run blocking combines awesome raw power, determination and good understanding of leverage to win most of the time.