During the 2025 NFL Draft, many fans were surprised when Cam Skattebo slid to Day 3. Some mock drafts projected him to be selected in early Day 2, but he fell into the fourth round, where the New York Giants picked him up.
Skattebo led the Big 12 in rushing attempts and rushing yards, and then proved to be a force in the college football playoffs. Now, his success appears to be translating to the NFL, according to Giants general manager Joe Schoen.
Joe Schoen Dishes on Cam Skattebo
Speaking on a recent episode of “Up and Adams” with Kay Adams, Schoen gave his impressions of Skattebo, declaring him ahead of “a lot of rookies.”
“I think everybody’s seen the film, so you see how tough he is, how he runs, his play style, his balance, and body control,” Schoen said. “What really stood out through the process with him is his football intelligence.
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“He’s a super smart kid. He picked up all the tests throughout our process very quickly, and then assimilating in with the veterans this week, he’s just done a really good job picking up the nuances of the offense, and he’s ahead of a lot of rookies.”
Of course, the general manager didn’t name names. However, it’s a good sign that Skattebo is further along than many of his first-year peers. New York drafted seven players in the 2025 NFL Draft: Skattebo, Abdul Carter, Jaxson Dart, Darius Alexander, Marcus Mbow, Thomas Fidone II, and Korie Black.
Skattebo Faces Difficult Battle To Win Starting Job Before Week 1
The former Arizona State running back is likely to be stuck in a running back by committee to begin his professional career. The Giants already have a solid running back room, so he will be facing some tough competition.
As a rookie, Tyrone Tracy Jr. averaged 4.4 yards per carry and rushed for five touchdowns last season, showing that he won’t exactly lie down. Notable veteran Devin Singletary is also in this backfield. Singletary has been in the NFL since 2019, racking up 4,486 rushing yards and 28 total touchdowns throughout his career.
Also, time isn’t on Skattebo’s side. The young running back only has so many practices and preseason games to win the trust of the coaching staff over two running backs who know the offense and got some opportunities to show Giants head coach Brian Daboll what they could do last season.
Without a single regular-season snap, Skattebo will need to convince Daboll that he’s ready to perform at a level higher than Tracy, who rushed for 839 yards in 12 starts in 2024.
Will Skattebo beat the clock?