As the New Orleans Saints work to rebuild their roster this offseason, they will really count on the 2025 NFL Draft. While New Orleans is lucky to have the No. 9 overall pick, the real work will be finding gems on day two and three of the draft. One of those gems could be running back Cam Skattebo.
Cam Skattebo could be a mid-to-late round target for the Saints
Accolades: 5th in Heisman voting, Peach Bowl MVP, 1st team AP All-American
2024 stats: 294 attempts, 1,712 yards, 21 touchdowns
Size: 5’11”, 215 LBs
Projection: Late third, early fourth round pick
Cam Skattebo is a bell-cow running back who uses his physicality to punish defenders. Skattebo’s stock was unheard of before this season, however, he put together an impressive campaign and is now a household name.
The last thing a defender wants to see is Cam Skattebo coming at them full-steam ahead. The former Sun Devil isn’t afraid of contact, actually the contrary, he loves it. Skattebo will go out of his way to prove his dominance and run someone over, particularly at the goal line. If he gets to the second level it’s a challenge for any defensive back to bring him down by himself.
Skattebo is tough as nails; this was evident during Arizona State’s playoff matchup against Texas. In that game, Skattebo had 39 touches. He was seen on the sidelines throwing up and clearly out of gas; however, that didn’t stop him from putting the team on his back. This is the toughness that an NFL coach wants in his players.
Although Skattebo contains immense power, he also has some agility that he uses to make men miss. He makes quick cuts, causing defenders to miss regularly. If he is hit, Skattebo has amazing contact balance. In 2024 he forced 102 missed tackles, which is second in the FBS. He has an innate ability to never go down on first contact.
Skattebo has proven to be a threat in the receiving game. He has 45 receptions for 605 yards this season. He is a valuable safety option for the quarterback while under pressure. In addition to this, he is dynamic when given the ball in the screen game.
A coach has yet to find something that Skattebo is unable to do. While at Arizona State, he has snaps running, passing, receiving, on special teams, and punting. His versatility makes him such an intriguing prospect for a creative coach.
The biggest mark on Skattebo’s game is his top speed. He isn’t slow, but he won’t burn a defensive back. The NFL Combine will be monumental for him. Running a fast 40-yard dash can be the difference between him going in the third round and going in the sixth.
Cam Skattebo can provide reinforcements to an injury riddled Saints running back room. His toughness and physicality should entice the Saints to potentially select him.