Peter Skoronski continues to build momentum as Bears’ likely 1st-round pick

The Chicago Bears have become an easy-to-project team in 2023 NFL mock drafts. It’s not because the player they’ll pick is easy to predict. Instead, almost every mock draft has GM Ryan Poles taking an offensive lineman at this point in the draft calendar.

What’s becoming more interesting with each new mock draft is the momentum Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski is building. He was the pick for the Bears in the latest 2023 mock from CBS Sports’ longtime NFL writer, Pete Prisco.

“(The Bears) need to get more help up front for Justin Fields, and Skoronski would bring versatility,” Prisco wrote. “He can play guard or tackle, which brings value. I think he looks more like a guard, but he could also play right tackle.”

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Peter Skoronski’s uncertain future at OT makes him a risky pick

Versatility is the key in Prisco’s analysis of the pick. Most analysts are betting on Skoronski’s ability to play every position along the offensive line as the basis for their projection to the Chicago Bears.

I get it. The Bears’ offensive line has been among the least inspiring in the NFL recently. As a result, a player who can offer an upgrade at every position makes sense. But are we sure Peter Skoronski can be a long-term starter at offensive tackle? His well-documented short arms are a concern for the position. With the Chicago Bears already making a significant investment at guard with the free-agent signing of Nate Davis, adding a true right tackle is paramount.

Throughout the 2023 NFL Draft season, I’ve consistently said that my preference in Round 1 is Paris Johnson Jr., followed by Broderick Jones. They’re plug-and-play starters at right tackle for the Bears. And that’s what they must add in the first round.

Peter Skoronski’s college resume is as impressive as any offensive lineman in this year’s draft. The success he’s enjoyed at tackle suggests he’ll at least be adequate at the position in the NFL. But adequate isn’t good enough, and the Chicago Bears can’t miss at a critical position this early in their rebuilding efforts.

Would I hate it if Skoronski became a Bear? Of course not. But I think it will be a mistake if Poles selects him over Johnson or Jones. Even if Skoronski becomes a Pro Bowl guard, the Chicago Bears’ need for a plus starter at right tackle is more important.