The difference between being versatile and being a “master of none” is the ability to do at least one thing really, really well. For Northwestern offensive linemen, Peter Skoronski, I believe he is more of a versatile player than a Swiss-Army Knife. While he played left tackle for the Wildcats and he will have a chance be a good tackle in the NFL, I believe he has an even better opportunity to be one of the best guards in the league. For that reason, I evaluated him as both a tackle and interior offensive lineman. Skoronski was born and raised in Illinois and is the favorite to be tenth pick to the Bears after being named a unanimous All-American and three time all-conference tackle for Northwestern. Skoronski might be the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft, and it will be interesting to see where teams align him in the NFL.

Skoronski’s biggest strength is his ability to strain his blocks in the run game and keep his feet churning through contact. Once he gains leverage and wins with his hands he is not letting go. He has shown the ability to drive on his block and take defensive linemen for rides. I believe he would be very good in a gap-scheme where he can down block and wash defensive linemen out of the picture. He has a really loose groin that allows him to consistently seal his blocks in the run game. It also allows him to anchor and sink vs bull rushes. He also has a really good get-off and low stance that gives him instant leverage. Having gone to Northwestern, Skoronski is both very smart and well-coached; his offensive line coach, Kurt Anderson, coached Rashawn Slater and used to be the offensive line coach for the Bills. The intelligence is apparent by the way he uses his hands in pass protection and when picking up stunts. Skoronski has shown the ability to chop down long-arms and control the wrists of opposing defensive linemen. His consistency of anticipating his opponents’ rushes and aligning his pass-set with the play call allows him to change up his cadence and disrupt the rusher’s plan. Skoronski is intelligent, strong, and mobile; three traits that offensive linemen need in order to be successful in the NFL.

Unfortunately Skoronski’s biggest limitations are mostly out of his control; his length and fat ankles. While these two traits are not the end all be all; they certainly are not ideal. Skoronski’s arm’s are just 32 1/4 inches long which would put him close to the shortest arms out of any tackle in the league. While he is capable of an occasional chop or jump-set, Skoronski consistently falls victim to getting long-armed. He also struggles at the second level when having to reach block due to his shorter wingspan. His inability to reach block is mostly why I believe he is a better fit in a gap scheme where he can make a living down-blocking or coming around as a puller. Defenders are frequently able to press their blocks if Skoronski does not win immediately. In the pass game, Skoronski is patient and keeps his shoulders square which allows him to mirror edge rushers, but when having to change directions at the second level in the run game, his ankle immobility is noticeable. My other two concerns are both coachable, but Skoronski has major pre-snap tells on whether it’s a pass or run based off his stance, and has a tendency to duck his head out of his stance which causes him to miss a few run blocks. Skoronski’s physical limitations could prevent him from being an elite tackle at the next level, but could set him up to be a really good guard.

The versatility that Skoronski offers makes him a fit for just about any team he goes too; for that reason I could see a team picking later in the draft coming up to get him. His play style reminds me a lot of Elgton Jenkins, just with shorter arms. His ability to drive through contact and play both inside and out is very similar. I would like to see the Giants come up and place him next to Andrew Thomas, solidifying their left side of their line. It would also be interesting to see the Jaguars or Titans allow him to be the anchor in their run game. The overall consistency at tackle and potential dominance at guard makes me comfortable with saying that Skoronski is a top-15 player in this year’s draft. While I believe he has the chance to be good on the outside, he may be near the top of league if he bumps inside.