Offensive tackle Peter Skoronski was one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2023 draft.
NFL teams routinely do their due diligence before deciding to spend draft capital on players. In addition to evaluating a prospect’s on-field talent, teams conduct face-to-face interviews with players.
The Atlanta Falcons entered the offseason looking for a talent upgrade along their offensive line and had interest in Skoronski. However, Skoronski’s awkward conversation with the Falcons’ higher-ups during the scouting combination could have played into why the team ultimately didn’t draft him.
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Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
«The head coach was all over me by the time I got there,» Skoronski told The Athletic in reference to his conversation with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
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“I was giving them generic answers to their questions, and he said, ‘You’re really boring me right now. Your answers are very boring.’ Throughout the meeting, he kept looking at his computer. I was laughing to myself and said, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know what you want me to do. I’m answering you honestly.'»
Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) blocks Purdue Boilermakers defensive end Jack Sullivan (99) during the college football game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 19, 2022 , at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Skoronski had some positive experiences with other teams, including his pre-draft meeting with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
«I liked his energy,» Skoronski said of Vrabel. The Titans ended up selecting Skoronski with the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft.
«Everyone has welcomed me and shown me around a bit, which is great. I’m just getting to know the place, and it’s been great. This is going to be my workplace now, and I’m looking forward to it.» Skoronski said.
Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Skoronski’s grandfather, Bob Skoronski, won five NFL championships.
Over the years, many players have commented on the surprising questions they were asked by coaches and general managers during the NFL Draft process. Some of the questions and comments are intended to gauge how a player will respond.
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However, in some cases, the line of questioning was simply inappropriate. Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Dez Bryant received one of the most shocking questions from then-Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland.
During a pre-draft visit, Ireland asked Bryant if his mother was involved in prostitution. Ireland later apologized, saying she had used «poor judgement».