2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys stock up offense, Panthers reach at QB
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. 10. Peter Skoronski. 12. player. Scouting Report. OT. Northwestern
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Back on the clock for their second pick, the Houston Texans bring in Peter Skoronski from Northwestern. An incredibly versatile lineman, Skoronski is capable of playing just about any position on the line, much like Rashawn Slater — who he replaced at left tackle.
Slater has had success in the NFL and Skoronsku seamlessly transitioned to the blindside. He’s now considered one of the top prospects in the nation with Mel Kiper having him as No. 8 overall in the class. And as Adam Rittenberg of ESPN says, this has a lot to do with his work in pass protection.
"“A three-time All-Big Ten selection, Skoronski was named the Big Ten’s offensive lineman of the year this fall, and a finalist for the Outland Trophy, going to the nation’s top interior lineman. Pro Football Focus graded him as the nation’s top pass blocker this season, as he allowed only six pressures on 480 pass-blocking snaps.” — Rittenberg, ESPN"
Houston will need to ensure they protect their new quarterback and while they have Laremy Tunsil on the right side, none of the other positions should be locked down.
That’s why Skoronski makes sense for them because they can put him where he’s needed most. Then, when Tunsil does eventually move on, they can slide him to the left tackle spot and continue to protect their primary investment.