Sophomore Leap: Peter Skoronski Poised for Breakout Year to Solidify Status as Titans’ Long-Term Answer at Left Tackle.
Peter Skoronski entered the NFL with high expectations as the Tennessee Titans’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. A standout at Northwestern with elite technique, intelligence, and versatility, he was widely viewed as one of the most pro-ready offensive linemen in his draft class. The Titans believed they had found a cornerstone player for their offensive line—someone who could potentially anchor their protection for the next decade. Now entering his sophomore season, Skoronski is aiming to make that belief a reality. He’s no longer just the promising rookie with upside; he’s ready to emerge as a franchise-caliber left tackle.
Skoronski’s rookie campaign was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in pass protection, where his refined footwork and hand placement made him a steady presence on a line that was otherwise plagued with inconsistency. Unfortunately, a midseason injury and a stint on the reserve/COVID list disrupted his rhythm, and he was shuffled between positions during the year. While he played primarily at left guard due to team needs, the Titans’ long-term plan has always been to develop him into the starting left tackle—the most critical position on the offensive line. This offseason has been all about preparing him to make that leap.
For Skoronski, the challenge is twofold: not only does he have to prove he can handle the physical demands of the position at the NFL level, but he also has to develop into a leader for a line that’s undergoing significant transition. With veterans like Taylor Lewan long gone and new pieces being integrated, Skoronski finds himself at the center of the Titans’ rebuild in the trenches. The team brought in new offensive line coach Bill Callahan, a widely respected figure known for his work with linemen. Under Callahan’s guidance, Skoronski has focused on refining the subtleties of his game—from leverage and angle blocking to second-level recognition and punch timing.
One of the biggest adjustments Skoronski has had to make is dealing with the sheer athleticism of NFL edge rushers. While he was rarely overwhelmed at Northwestern, even against top-tier Big Ten talent, the speed and power of professional pass rushers present a different challenge. Players like Myles Garrett, Josh Allen, and Harold Landry offer a week-to-week test unlike anything seen in college. In his rookie year, Skoronski held his own, but his second season will be about establishing dominance, not just surviving.
That goal has led to a rigorous offseason program. Skoronski dedicated himself to improving his lower-body strength and flexibility, key attributes for maintaining balance against elite rushers. He’s also spent hours studying film—not just of opponents, but of elite tackles around the league. Players like Trent Williams, Andrew Thomas, and Rashawn Slater have served as models, with Skoronski paying close attention to how they use angles, recover when beaten, and communicate with the rest of their line. He’s becoming a student of the game in the truest sense, and that intellectual approach is one of the reasons the Titans believe he can be special.
Quarterback Will Levis has spoken highly of Skoronski’s development, noting the difference in comfort he feels when his blind side is protected. As the Titans continue to build around Levis, the chemistry between quarterback and left tackle becomes more vital. A strong second year from Skoronski won’t just solidify his individual status—it could elevate the entire offense. Protection consistency is often the difference between good and great quarterback play, and Skoronski’s growth could serve as the bedrock of Levis’ maturation in his own sophomore campaign.
What’s perhaps most impressive about Skoronski is his mature demeanor. Coaches and teammates alike describe him as even-keeled, detail-oriented, and relentlessly focused. He’s not one for dramatic declarations or media soundbites; his work ethic does the talking. That approach has earned him respect in the locker room, even from veterans. Although he’s only in his second year, he’s already being leaned on as a cultural tone-setter for the offensive line room. Younger players watch how he prepares, how he handles adversity, and how he rebounds from a tough rep. That kind of influence is rare in someone so early in their career.
The Titans’ expectations for Skoronski are clear: they want him to become the franchise’s long-term answer at left tackle, a position that has seen turnover and uncertainty in recent years. With the offense under the direction of new coordinator Nick Holz, the scheme may offer more zone concepts and quick-pass elements, which play to Skoronski’s strengths. He’s incredibly mobile for a lineman and excels at sealing off defenders in space. In run blocking, he’s tenacious and technically sound, and with Derrick Henry no longer in the backfield, Tennessee is looking to lean more on agility and misdirection, areas where Skoronski thrives.
The pressure isn’t lost on him. Being a first-round pick brings a different level of scrutiny, especially when you’re entrusted with protecting the quarterback’s blind side. Any misstep becomes magnified, any sack allowed becomes a talking point. But Skoronski seems built for that spotlight—not because he craves it, but because he prepares for it. Those around the Titans facility say his daily approach hasn’t changed since the day he arrived: arrive early, absorb coaching, and treat every rep like it’s a game situation. That mentality may be his greatest weapon as he looks to cement himself in year two.
Of course, not all development happens in a straight line. There will be challenges. There will be games where he struggles, where defensive coordinators scheme to exploit his youth. But the Titans believe Skoronski’s floor is higher than most because of his technical foundation and mental toughness. That gives them confidence he’ll weather the inevitable growing pains and come out stronger on the other side. It’s part of the reason the front office has resisted outside additions at tackle—they trust the investment they made in Skoronski.
Another key aspect of his development is the continuity he’s starting to build with the rest of the line. Chemistry among linemen often goes unnoticed until it breaks down, but it’s crucial to offensive success. With free-agent signings and rookie additions finding their footing, Skoronski’s consistency offers a stabilizing presence. Whether it’s recognizing blitz packages pre-snap or passing off stunts in real time, his communication and awareness are improving steadily. As the Titans work to establish an identity under new head coach Brian Callahan, that reliability could prove invaluable.
The road ahead for Skoronski isn’t just about stats or grades from analytic sites. His success will be measured by how well the Titans can protect their quarterback, how effectively they can run the ball behind the left side, and how often he wins matchups against the league’s top pass rushers. It’s a tall task, but one the Titans believe he’s ready to take on. And if he delivers on that promise, it changes everything. A locked-in franchise left tackle gives a team flexibility in roster building, confidence in critical moments, and the kind of long-term security that most franchises spend years searching for.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Skoronski—not because he’s flashy or controversial, but because his progress may determine the ceiling of the Titans’ offense. If he can stay healthy, continue to grow, and make the full-time move to left tackle successfully, the Titans may finally have their answer at a position that’s eluded them since the prime of Taylor Lewan. More importantly, they may have the kind of player who quietly anchors their line for a decade—an intelligent, tough, no-nonsense leader who lets his play speak for itself.
Peter Skoronski’s sophomore season represents more than just a personal step forward. It’s a pivotal year in the Titans’ long-term vision, a test of their scouting and development philosophy, and a potential turning point for a young offense trying to find its rhythm. If he rises to the occasion, Skoronski won’t just earn his spot—he’ll own it, setting the tone for everything that follows in Tennessee’s rebuild.
