The New York Giants may have helped kick off the 2025 NFL Draft by making a very obvious selection in Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, but the most noteworthy pick Joe Schoen made in terms of bombast was trading into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The Giants spent Day 2 of the draft continuing to reinforce the defense by selecting players like Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander, but Schoen flipped back over to the offensive side by selecting Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo with the No. 105 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Giants may not put Dart out on the field during his rookie season, but they are still in the process of adding some productive players around him so that he doesn't have to target Malik Nabers 20 times every game. Skattebo will play a huge part in the Giants' new-look offense.
Giants helping Jaxson Dart out with savvy Cam Skattebo pick
Skattebo slid to the fourth round due to some concerns about his overall athletic ability and the fact his 2024 season may be an outlier relative to the rest of his production. Skattebo ran for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns while chipping in 605 receiving yards.
Unlike most powerful running backs who thrive on contact in between the tackles, Skattebo has emerged as a player who can be effective as a blocker and receiver. His versatility is why he was named a First Team All-American over backs that have come off the board multiple rounds beforehand.
Tyrone Tracy had a very productive rookie season, but he didn't do enough to dissuade the Giants from using a pick on someone like Skattebo, who should provide a nice thunder component to Tracy's lightning. It should surprise no one if Skattebo ends up becoming the unquestioned top dog in the backfield.
The Giants need to give Dart as much help as possible to mask some of the flaws hanging off his stock, and he could be in line for a smoother transition to the pro ranks if Skattebo is as good as advertised.