The New York Giants are hoping to develop their own version of lightning and thunder in the backfield.
Despite the impressive rookie campaign from running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. in 2024, which included 1,123 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns, the Giants made a big addition to the room.
Taking Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo with the No. 105 overall pick in the fourth round, the Giants have a solid tandem to lead the backfield.
While Skattebo’s role has to be precisely defined, ESPN’s Mike Clay predicts the 219-pound back will have an all-around solid season.
2025 projection: 160 carries, 691 yards, 4 TDs; 29 receptions, 213 yards, 1 TD
He’s one of the oldest RBs in this class at 23, but that’s not enough to offset his elite efficiency during two seasons at Arizona State. Skattebo’s 110 forced missed tackles were second to Jeanty in the FBS last season, and his 15% target share and 11.1 yards per target were the draft class’s best in the pass game.
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.
It will be interesting to see how the Giants deploy the tandem of Tracy and Skattebo. Both have excellent receiving chops while Tracy is the more explosive player.
With that said, Skattebo has a penchant for forcing missed tackles, which could lead to an increased workload if New York opts to go with the hot hand.
Much of the production from the backfield will depend on the quality of play the Giants get from the offensive line and the quarterback room.
But Skattebo presents an intriguing profile as a player who could have an impact right away.
