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Titans Peter Skoronski is bigger, stronger, and more prepared for second NFL season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sam Phalen | Last updated Jul 25, 2024 5:06 PM ET

Former first round draft pick and projected starting left guard Peter Skoronski is an essential piece of the puzzle for the Tennessee Titans in 2024.

After a rookie season that showed flashes of greatness, Skoronski is looking to take the next step in year two. The Titans desperately need improved play on the offensive line this season, and Skoronski needs to be an anchor for that to become reality. The 22-year-old's development is paramount.

Fortunately, things are off to a promising start. Without the baggage of training for the NFL Combine or the stressors that come with the NFL Draft, Skoronski has been able to focus on the physical and technical demands of being an NFL lineman.

And unlike 2023, Skoronski has a defined role. He's the left guard. There are no pressures or expectations to be a left tackle, and that has made it easier to get his body and mind prepared.

"From last offseason to the beginning of the camp to this offseason to the beginning of camp, the stress level is way down," Skoronski told me after training camp practice on Thursday. "I know a lot more of what to expect. Physically, I feel more ready for the guard position in terms of technique and physicality."

"I just feel so much more comfortable...less stressed about 'I don't even know how to do this as a guard' where now it's 'you know how to do it, just execute it,'" said Skoronski. "That's been a big difference from year one to year two. The comfort level is different."

Peter Skoronski says he’s bigger, stronger, and more ready to play G than he was as a rookie. #Titans pic.twitter.com/43X3w7wYHc
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 25, 2024

While Skoronski's rookie campaign with the Titans had some really encouraging flashes, it wasn't always pretty. He had an appendectomy in September that led to both pain and weight loss. Not only did Skoronski miss three games because of the surgery, he was also much smaller than he was at the start of training camp.

This time around, the former All-American is heavier than he's ever been and feeling much stronger.

"It wasn't really intentional but I think I gained a little more weight and I'm a little heavier going into the season, which I think will help me a lot," Skoronski told me. "Everyone's big inside and you've got to be able to anchor and sit down in bull rushes. Having a little extra pounds doesn't hurt. I think that's helped me a little bit and not just bigger but I feel stronger too. Once we get the pads on, that's the time I'll really be able to test that out."

Training camp just opened and the Titans have not put pads on yet. That makes it difficult to accurately assess play on the offensive and defensive line. As Skoronski said, physicality gets tested once the pads are on and that will be a better reflection of the improvements he has made.

But from where I'm sitting right now, Titans fans have a lot to get excited about here. A bigger, stronger, more prepared Peter Skoronski that is working with Bill Callahan at perfecting his craft is a real weapon. Running left behind him and JC Latham might need to become a staple of the Brian Callahan offense.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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