Why Cam Skattebo Would Make A Valuable NFL Draft Addition For The Saints

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Why Cam Skattebo Would Make A Valuable NFL Draft Addition For The Saints

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Wed, Apr 16, 2025 ·

4 min read

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is still one of the most versatile weapons in the NFL and the focal point of the Saints offense.

Despite missing the last three games with injury, Kamara had a career-best 950 rushing yards in 2024. He also had 543 receiving yards on a team-high 68 receptions, scoring 8 total touchdowns.

Kamara has lost little of his dynamic ability, but he'll also turn 30, enters his ninth season, and has taken a beating in recent years. Using Kamara too often between the tackles, rather than in space, has led to a lot of extra wear and tear.

One of the reasons that the Saints have been forced to use Kamara as an inside runner is that the team has no other backfield threat outside of Taysom Hill , another versatile threat. This has often telegraphed what New Orleans can do offensively based on where Kamara lines up, which had severely limited both his effectiveness and that of the entire offense.

New Orleans may look to add a backfield complement to Kamara in the draft. With so many other needs everywhere on this team, they may not do it with an early pick. However, there are a few backs in what looks like a deep class that may provide an impact as late-Day 2 or early Day 3 picks.

Cam Skattebo , RB (Arizona State)

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lightly recruited out of Rio Linda High School in California, Skattebo began his collegiate career at Sacramento State. He'd rush for 520 yards as a freshman in 2021, then picked up 1,382 yards on the ground the following year with 9 total touchdowns.

In 2023, Skattebo would transfer to Arizona State. He'd lead the Sun Devils with 783 yards rushing, added 24 receptions for 286 yards, even completed 6 passes, and accounted for 11 touchdowns.

Skattebo's 2024 campaign is what really vaulted him onto the map. He had 1,711 rushing yards, leading the Big 12 and second in the NCAA, while also pulling in 45 passes for another 605 yards. His 2,316 yards from scrimmage was second among all NCAA players. He accounted for 25 touchdowns, 21 on the ground, while leading all Big 12 players with 338 total touches.

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) breaks through the Texas Longhorns defense the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Skattebo's one-man show in Arizona State's CFB Quarterfinal loss against Texas was for the ages. In that game, he had 143 yards rushing, another 99 as a receiver, and completed a pass for 42 yards while accounting for three scores. He fittingly ended his career with 1st Team All-American honors.

A powerful and versatile back at 5'10" and 219-Lbs., Skattebo is used to an extremely heavy workload. However, it's also that volume that could turn some NFL teams to lower his draft stock because of concern over long-term durability.

Skattebo has had some fumbling issues, losing 10 fumbles over his career. He'll need to improve his ball security, but must also get much better at blitz pick up for coaches to trust him with extensive snaps. He has just pedestrian speed, which may limit his effectiveness outside the tackles or in open space.

Skattebo runs with tremendous power that's magnified by his terrific leverage and balance. He's rarely brought down by one tackler and is nearly automatic in short yardage situations. He also shows outstanding vision and patience as blocking develops, with good enough burst to get through the hole quickly and the agility to instantly take advantage of cutback lanes.

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) in action during the Big 12 championship against the Iowa State Cyclones. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

A standout receiver, Skattebo secures the ball with surprisingly natural hands and is able to run a decent-sized route tree. On screens, his open field vision and power make him a consistently lethal weapon.

Skattebo also threatens defenses as a wildcat quarterback, not just as a runner but also a thrower. In his two years at Arizona State, he completed 7 of 17 pass attempts for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Cam Skattebo looks to be a probable Day 2 pick, but his projections where have been all over the place.

Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs against the Kansas Jayhawks. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Skattebo's power, versatility, and collegiate production will make him an instant contributor in any offense. However, his high workload and lack of breakaway speed could drive him down the board.

For the New Orleans Saints, Skattebo would bring an element to their offense that they've lacked since Mark Ingram was in his prime to team with Alvin Kamara.

Skattebo and Taysom Hill would provide a 1-2 power option between the tackles, allowing the Saints to be more imaginative with Kamara. Skattebo also brings the versatility that could lead to him becoming a featured back.

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