Skattebo continues to rocket up the draft boards, with one analyst touting his overall value.
Cam Skattebo Receives Overwhelming Praise
With draft season in full swing, prospects begin to see their names in positive and negative ways. Former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo hears effusive praise from all corners. In recent years, the devaluation of the running back position allowed backs that may not have been a factor in the past.
Now, you will see some of the middle and later rounds teem with backs, whether teams envision them as future starts or depth pieces that will see the field on special teams. According to NFL analyst Maurice Jones-Drew, Skattebo checks every box. In this clip, the former All-Pro back with the Jaguars, Jones-Drew highlighted what he likes about the former ASU standout.
“He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He can run routes like a wide receiver. Everything that you want in a running back.”
Skill Set
From afar, Jones-Drew does make valid points. Skattebo stands five-foot-nine and weighs 219 pounds. As a result, he is an absolute problem to bring to the ground. Flashing excellent contact balance and churning feet, the 2024 All-American gains hidden yardage that establishes offensive momentum.
During four years of college football, two at Sacramento State and two at Arizona State, Skattebo compiled 4,386 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. At the same time, he proved vital in the passing game with 112 catches, 1,386 yards, and eight receiving scores. Again, Jones-Drew’s points stand rather tall.
Analysts Opinion
As mentioned, how one views a draft prospect will either greatly fluctuate or fit together like a puzzle. For example, the following excerpts view the 2024 All Big-12 selection.
Lance Zierlein, NFL Network
“He lacks top-end speed and will have to contend with bigger, better tacklers on the next level. Skattebo’s effectiveness as a receiver out of the backfield should add to his draft value. His physicality and edge should bode well for him as a complementary back with three-down value who is capable of helping an offense wear down the defense.”
Skattebo did run a 4.65 40-yard dash. While that raises a red flag, realize a few aspects of the running back position. First, how often will any back run 40 yards in a straight line without wearing pads?
Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network
“The area of concern for Skattebo as an NFL draft prospect would be what appears to be a lack of top-end speed. This lack of speed shows in the open field. Skattebo has a good initial burst and acceleration but cannot keep separation and is usually caught by defenders, which limits some plays that have home run/explosive opportunities.”
This basically confirms what the film and Zierlein state. Skattebo sees the field well and will take on tackles with furious abandon. However, his lack of speed does loom large in spots. At the next level, teams want starters at running back with enough explosion to run away from defenders.
Bottom Line
If a team wants a home run hitter from the backfield, Cam Skattebo isn’t your player. Look elsewhere if you want a shifty that can win with jump cuts and agility. However, if you want a running knack to come in as a change of pace, the former Sun Devil could be yours for a third-day pick.
KEEP READING: RB Cam Skattebo Hypes Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt, Praises ‘Heisman-Level QB’ at 2025 NFL Combine
Now, if you wanted to push, a late second-rounder looks like his ceiling. Furthermore, the gutsy runner will thrive in goal-line situations as he can use his leverage advantage to his benefit. Speed becomes less of a factor when you need a couple of yards to keep a drive moving to salt away the game clock.
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