Former Northwestern Wildcats offensive tackle Peter Skoronski is the newest member of the Tennessee Titans after being selected by Tennessee with the 11th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Titans' GM Ran Carthon referred to Skoronski as a "blue player," who he expects to have an immediate impact and be an instant starter for his football team, even if there are questions marks about which position Skoronski's contributions will come from.

Some draft analysts project Skoronski as more of an interior offensive lineman in the NFL, pointing to his 32 and 1/4 inch arms as a reason he will be better suited at guard at the next level. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has a message for those doubters.

On Friday afternoon, Fitzgerald joined the 3HL crew of Brent Daugherty, Dawn Davenport, and Ron Slay on 104.5 The Zone to discuss Skoronski's college career and NFL future.

Hearing the glowing endorsement Fitzgerald gave Skoronski as both a player and a person, there should not be much doubt about his ability to dominate in the NFL.

Fitzgerald was asked about the scouts who project Skoronski to be a guard in the NFL, and it's safe to say he doesn't agree with that narrative. "He only started at left tackle in the Big 10. I'd say watch the tape," said Coach Fitz.

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But even if Skoronski does wind up moving inside at the next level, that's not to say he won't be the cornerstone of the Titans' offensive line for a long time. Of all the offensive line prospects in the 2023 draft class, Skoronski might have the highest floor because of his technically sound footwork and hand placement. 

"If he's not an all-pro tackle, he's going to be be an all-pro guard," said Fitzgerald. "Coach Vrabel and I are really good friends. He knows football. He knows line of scrimmage play. You guys are getting, on tape, the best player in college football on the offensive line."

The best player in college football on the offensive line. That's how highly Pat Fitzgerald thinks of his former left tackle, and based on what we heard from Vrabel and Carthon this weekend, that's how highly the Titans think of their top draft pick.

"This young man is ready to go and it's really exciting for us but I think you all will be very excited here in a year when you see the consistency in play," Fitzgerald continued. By the sound of things, Skoronski going to fit right in with the culture Mike Vrabel wants to instill in his football teams.

"He'll come in humble. He'll come in as a great teammate," said Fitzgerald. "He'll learn the expectations of the organization and care more about the team than anything. And before too long, I think you're gonna have one heck of a leader."

Skoronski is the exact player the Titans needed to add at the top of this draft. As the organization and fanbase begin looking ahead to the next era of Titans football, building your foundation with a consistent, hard-working, great teammate like Skoronski is essential.