The New York Giants may have waited until Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft to find their next hammer in the backfield, but make no mistake—Cam Skattebo has the tools to make a real impact in Year 1. Drafted with the 105th overall pick, the former Arizona State standout is a bruising, no-nonsense runner who seems tailor-made for cold-weather football in the NFC East.
Skattebo’s name might not have generated first-round buzz, but his resume speaks for itself. Over 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 24 total touchdowns last season. Fifth in Heisman voting. And, according to Giants general manager Joe Schoen, a player the team “was excited to get” because of his “toughness, competitiveness, and grit.” Sounds like a guy ready to do more than just split snaps.
The Giants’ current starter, Tyrone Tracy Jr., was a pleasant surprise in 2024. The former wideout turned RB stepped up big-time after Saquon Barkley’s departure, racking up over 1,100 scrimmage yards and earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. But now, with Skattebo in the mix, the fight for RB1 reps is on.
How big Will Cam Skattebo’s role be in Giants Offense this season?
In a recent breakdown of the 2025 rookie running back class, ESPN’s Mike Clay slotted Cam Skattebo into his “committee backs” tier. Clay projected Skattebo to rack up 904 total yards (691 rushing, 213 receiving) and 5 total touchdowns—pretty solid output for a presumed No. 2.
“Skattebo is not super fast, but his size (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) and three-down skill set supplies him with a solid long-term outlook. However, his short-term numbers will likely be limited because 2024 fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a breakout 2024 season,” Clay wrote.
That’s fair. But it might also undersell what Skattebo brings to the table.
Skattebo isn’t flashy. He’s not going to rip off 80-yard runs like he’s Saquon. But what he will do is run through arm tackles, keep the chains moving, and make a defense pay for sitting back. His contact balance is elite. His effort and motor are relentless. And his pass-catching chops (605 receiving yards last year) mean he's tailor-made for all three downs.
If the G-Men want to lean on physicality and keep their quarterbacks clean, Skattebo will see work—maybe more than expected. Big Blue's 2025 schedule looks like a gauntlet and they'll need all the help they can get. Why limit his role and make him a committee back if he can handle the workload?
So while Clay might be right about the “committee” label, don’t be surprised if Skattebo breaks that mold before the season’s halfway mark. This kid brings the kind of grit that could quickly make him a staple in this offense. Unleash the beast.