It can be called a coincidence if one or two people mention the same thing. When several people do, it becomes a trend. Throughout most of the pre-draft process, people have been divided on what the Chicago Bears will do in the 1st round of this 2023 draft. The general belief is GM Ryan Poles plans one of two things to happen. Either he will take Jalen Carter at #9, willing to take the risk on the talented but troubled defensive tackle. Or he wishes to trade down for additional picks and likely address the offensive line.
Here is where things get interesting. As the draft reaches the one-week mark, rumors have started flying more than ever. Accuracy tends to be greater around this time as teams set their boards, and insiders get a good idea of how things will unfold. Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network caused a stir when he claimed a discussion with his NFL sources said the Bears were likely targeting Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski. Want to know who else is suddenly saying the same thing?
Everybody with credibility, it seems.
- Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports) – Peter Skoronski
- Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) – Peter Skoronski
- Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) – Peter Skoronski
- Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN) – Peter Skoronski
- Todd McShay (ESPN) – Peter Skoronski
- Michael Renner (PFF) – Peter Skoronski
Maybe they’re guessing. Or maybe the Chicago Bears have their guy.
Skoronski has developed right in their backyard at Northwestern. Their scouts have attended several of his games, as has Poles himself. They’ve covered him every step of the way and met with him personally. The Bears know everything there is to know about the guy. Draft evaluators consider him one of the cleanest prospects in the class. While he may not have the ceiling of guys like Paris Johnson or Broderick Jones, he has the highest floor. Almost everybody believes he will play a long time in the NFL and have a good career.
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Poles may be willing to overlook the concerns about Skoronski’s shorter arms, knowing that if he doesn’t work out at tackle, the Chicago Bears could simply shift him to guard. It decreases the odds of the pick being a bust. Poles isn’t looking for a home run. He’s looking for a double. That is what Skoronski looks like he’ll be. There is nothing wrong with that. Ryan Pace swung for home runs every year, leading to mostly misery for the franchise. Playing it safe isn’t a bad thing.
