Peter Skoronski is an Elite Run Blocker

That statement about Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, it is a compliment to this left tackle who recently declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, but on the other hand, a team at the next level will need more out of the position.

Skoronski has indeed shown improvement on his 2022 game film versus his performance on 2021 game film.

However, the same issues have persisted from my earlier article, “Peter Skoronski is Not A First-Round Tackle in 2023 NFL Draft.”

He’s a street fighting mauler and he blocks in pass protection like one, and that’s going to be an issue against the best pass rushers in the NFL.

Skoronski is a throw back run blocker

It’s worth circling back to just how good he looked paving the way on the ground.

Skoronski is ultra competitive and run blocking is extremely important to him (and it shows on game film).

He does an excellent job powering defenders with his brute strength to achieve leverage, and he pancakes defenders whenever possible.

Skoronski is like a throwback run blocker – – like a Joe Jacoby, Jumbo Elliott or Jimbo Covert

Point blank – – Skoronski put on a clinic as a run blocker in this three-game study.

Faster first step

This is the biggest area of improvement that jumped out on his 2022 game film compared to 2021.

He is showing the ability to kick out faster, which gets him in better position to shield the perimeter and stay in control.

It’s not the first step or the initial set-up in the shallow depth of the pocket I am most concerned about, however.

Bull rushes

He had noticeable trouble hunkering down against strong bull rushes against college competition, which makes me wonder about the next level.

The other issue is pass rushers showed they could find success driving into him and then coming off his blocking effort either outside or back inside to create pressure.

He tends to stop moving his feet in these situations and he loses control.

NFL pass rushers (especially the best ones in the league who tend to come off the offense’s left side) will undoubtedly bull rush and test Skoronski and see what he has for an answer.

Give Skoronski a hug

Like I said, he pass protects like a mauling run blocker.

Skoronski tries to outmuscle guys opposed to winning with technique, which leaves him susceptible through the front and back doors of the pocket

Skoronski managed to get by in college hugging pass rushers, but I think this will be a serious issue at the next level.

The guys on the edge in the NFL are going to pick up on this and like sharks with blood in the water, they will test it.

Blitzes and games

Pass rush schemes tend to get more creative in the NFL.

This will be an issue for Skoronski too.

There were a number of times where defenses sent a delayed blitz off his edge and got pressure.

A delayed stunt also proved to be a problem.

Skoronski is showing the mental part of the game has strong potential to be an issue.

#77 Peter Skoronski 6-foot-4, 315 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Third-Round (I would select him)

Bust Probability: Medium

Projected by 91.7% (up from 87.0% on October 7) of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of December 22, 2022 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2022 game film reviewed: Penn State, Nebraska and Wisconsin (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Level of competition: High

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Scrappy tough mauler who excels at run blocking and he is inconsistent in pass protection due to average anchor and technique. Quick first kick step in pass pro to set up in the shallow depth of the pocket. Active and uses hands, but tends to show outside hand placement. Street-fighter in pass pro who does an excellent job against traditional straight-up pass rush efforts. Susceptible to being bull rushed and pass rushers coming off through the front and back doors of the pocket. Susceptible to delayed games and blitzes. Excellent run blocker who combines power with great understanding of leverage to win a high percentage of the time. Projects better to guard or right tackle.

Final words

I believe his limitations at left tackle are going to be a glaring problem against a higher level of competition.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.