Mock Draft Monday: Jets Use No. 13 Pick on Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in Latest Projection

Northwestern's Peter Skoronski would be an appropriate first-round selection for Gang Green

The New York Jets are the second team to use their first-round pick on an offensive tackle in the latest NFL Mock Draft from CBS Sports.

In his April 1 article, CBSSports.com’s Kyle Stackpole paired Gang Green with a highly-touted bookend at No. 13 overall in the draft order.

Ohio State’s Paris Johnson was the first tackle off board, going to the Chicago Bears in the No. 9 spot. Dynamic Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba went one selection in front of the Jets with the Houston Texans snatching the physical specimen at No. 12 overall.

Then, the Jets secured three-time All-Big Ten Conference honoree Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) with the No. 13 pick.

Round 1 - Pick 13: Peter Skoronski (Northwestern), New York Jets

“The Jets have a lot of questions along the offensive line. By way of his versatility, Peter Skoronski would provide a lot of answers. With Aaron Rodgers headed to town, New York needs to find the best combination of five blockers to protect him. The unanimous All-American would help the team accomplish just that.” - Kyle Stackpole (read full CBS Sports article)

Starting all 33 games for Northwestern since his freshman season (2020), the 6-foot-4 Skoronski quickly caught the attention of pro scouts. This past winter, NFL Draft Bible’s Ric Serritella called Skoronski the “most-polished” offensive tackle in the 2023 Draft class.

Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski vs. Maryland / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, Skoronski became the first-ever Northwestern player to earn unanimous All-America First Team honors. The Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year earned Pro Football Focus’s highest pass-blocking grade (93.0) in the nation. PFF charged Skoronski with allowing only six quarterback pressures in 480 pass-blocking snaps.

Other than the fact that he measured with relatively short 32.5-inch arms, Skoronski’s draft profile is highly appealing. He finished second overall amongst all offensive line participants in both the broad jump (9’7”) and vertical jump (34.5”).

In the CBS Sports scenario where Skoronski goes to Gang Green at No. 13, the Jets would pass on Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones. Numerous prominent mock drafts had linked the two-time National Champion Georgia Bulldog to New York as a first-round selection in recent weeks.

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