New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo doesn't seem to lack motivation. He runs like he has something to prove every time he touches the football. It was his aggressive, and occasionally unhinged, running style that immediately ingratiated him with fans in New York. But the second-year running back just got handed another reason to go all-out in 2026.
ESPN released its first installment of the position rankings series that will continue through the first half of the month, naming the top ten running backs in the NFL based on votes from coaches, scouts, and front-office executives. Not only did Skattebo miss out on the top ten, but he didn't receive a single vote in the exercise.
Skattebo already set a goal of 2,000 rushing yards for himself in 2026. Now, he has the extra fuel he needs to make it happen.
Giants' Cam Skattebo might not be a top-10 NFL running back, but he will be
Outside of the ten backs ranked in ESPN's article, three were given honorable mentions, and seven were listed as also having received votes. Skattebo was nowhere to be found. That means that, according to the voters, he's the league's No. 21 running back, at best.
While it's hard to make an argument that Skatt is currently a top-ten back in the league, he's comfortably in the top 20. Through the first eight weeks of the 2025 NFL season, his seven total touchdowns ranked sixth among all running backs.
If he remained healthy throughout his rookie season, he would likely be viewed much more favorably in the eyes of ESPN's voters. While he doesn't have the breakaway speed some scouts and coaches covet, Skattebo's physicality is already almost unmatched in the NFL.
The Giants' running back hasn't received the recognition he deserves quite yet, but it's coming soon. After adding Greg Roman to the offensive staff and bringing in players like Patrick Ricard and Francis Mauigoa, New York is expected to lean into the downhill running style Skattebo prefers.
His goal of 2,000 yards on the ground might not come together this season, but it's easy to see the second-year running back reaching the 1,200-yard mark. If he can stay healthy, he should be the engine of the Giants' offense.
IF ESPN repeats this ranking a year from now, Skattebo will be included. He has all of the tools to become a top-ten running back in the NFL.
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