The Chicago Bears are getting an up-close look at Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski, who some NFL Draft analysts believe will be their pick at No. 9 overall in the 2023 NFL draft.
The Bears sent eight team representatives to Northwestern’s campus, including general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus, to get eyes on Skoronski, who many regard as the best pure offensive lineman in this year’s draft.
Skoronski isn’t without some questions on his scouting report, however. His arms measured just 32 1/4 inches, far short of the 33-34 inches that NFL scouting departments prefer. He could be facing a position change to guard in the pros, which makes his first-round value dip. The Chicago Bears won’t take a guard in the first round, especially not after signing Nate Davis to a three-year, $30 million deal in free agency.
“Skoronski spent his college years manning the quarterback’s blindside at tackle, but the body type and skill set are begging for a move to guard, where he can play his best football as a pro,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote of Skoronski in his scouting report. “He’s broad across his upper and lower body, but he has short arms. Skoronski plays with a deft blend of technique, feel and power as a run blocker and is capable of thriving in any run-blocking scheme. His lack of length can be a problem against stab-and-charge bull rushers and edge speed, but a move inside would mitigate those concerns. If Skoronski can get his protection anchor sorted out, he has the run-blocking talent to become an instant starter and a top-flight guard.”
The Bears are expected to address right tackle this offseason, whether in free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft. Perhaps they’ll overlook Peter Skoronski’s arm length and slot him on the right side. It’ll be a risky decision, but Skoronski has proven over the last four years that he’s as solid an offensive lineman as they come.
