The Titans were rumored to be one of the team’s in hot pursuit of a quarterback. Despite Kentucky QB Will Levis still remaining on the board, the team isn’t pivoting to another position. The Titans have used pick No. 11 on Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski.
Skoronski was considered by some pundits to be the draft’s top offensive line prospect, but the Big Ten product was ultimately the third OL off the board. Skoronski was college football’s most dominant pass blocker this year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), allowing only five pressures on 383 snaps in pass protection.
The lineman found himself susceptible to much of the same criticism as his former teammate — 2021 first-round Chargers pick Rashawn Slater. Slater fell victim to criticism that his 33-inch arms were too short for him to be a successful NFL tackle. Lo and behold, Skoronski’s arm length is reportedly almost an inch shorter. He may end up playing guard in the NFL, but it would not be shocking if the Titans at least give him a shot at offensive tackle.
Tennessee is close to starting over up front. The team cut its longtime starters at left tackle (Taylor Lewan) and center (Ben Jones) and let four-year right guard Nate Davis walk in free agency. The Titans signed former Eagles first-rounder Andre Dillard, giving him decent money despite Jordan Mailata having instead become Philly’s Jason Peters heir apparent. The Titans kept RFA guard Aaron Brewer, however, and used 2022 third-rounder Nicholas Petit-Frere at right tackle.
Skoronski — the grandson of former 1960s Packers starting left tackle Bob Skoronski — figures to be ticketed for one of the team’s starting guard spots come September.
And yet Slater was 2nd team all pro as a rookie. Its a game of inches, but that means plays, not arm length. The scouts are so smart with so much data that they are actually stupid.
Big 10 lineman are well coached coming out of college and fare well in the NFL.