Selecting running back Cam Skattebo with the 105th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft gave the New York Giants not just a major Day 3 steal, but also a powerful, highly productive weapon for their offense. Skattebo, who built a strong reputation at Arizona State for his toughness and relentless playing style, is determined to bring a “contagious” level of physicality to Big Blue.
Shortly after being picked in the fourth round in Green Bay, the 23-year-old emphasized that physicality energizes a team, saying that when a player gets run over, it sparks excitement and motivation among teammates. He plans to bring that attitude with him to the NFL.
Known for his strength and production, Skattebo racked up over 2,300 scrimmage yards and scored 24 total touchdowns last season — both of which led the Big 12 conference. His efforts earned him recognition from Next Gen Stats as the top “hidden gem” available on Day 3 of the draft. In fact, Skattebo posted the second-highest overall draft score (88) among running backs, just behind Ashton Jeanty.
After transferring from Sacramento State, Skattebo became a two-year starter for the Sun Devils, demonstrating both versatility and reliability.
While his impressive stats suggest he can bolster the Giants’ ground game, it’s Skattebo’s toughness and mindset that may prove even more valuable. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. already in place as a speedy lead back — a standout from last year’s later rounds — Skattebo is expected to complement him with a bruising, physical style. This “thunder and lightning” combination in the backfield could give the Giants a well-rounded rushing attack.
Skattebo’s playing style has even drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s more punishing running backs. He is the first FBS player since Christian McCaffrey to tally at least 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season — a mark that hints at his all-around capabilities.
His toughness isn’t something new either; it’s been a part of his makeup since childhood. As reported, Skattebo’s mother recalled him wearing his older brother’s football pads and running into telephone poles at the age of six just to imitate older players at practice.
The Giants clearly needed to recapture some of the smash-mouth spirit they lost after Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Skattebo’s arrival should help fill that void. General Manager Joe Schoen’s decision not to retain Barkley was highly scrutinized, so finding reliable, productive replacements has been crucial. Drafting Tracy last year was a step in the right direction; now, Skattebo must deliver as well.
Adding Skattebo to the backfield could help form a potent one-two punch, easing the workload for quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the short term, and setting the stage for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to succeed down the line.
This plan is essential for Schoen, who needs young, dynamic players like Dart, Skattebo, Tracy, and wide receiver Malik Nabers — last year’s first-round pick — to anchor a turnaround after two consecutive losing seasons.