PFF Names Cam Skattebo New York’s Favorite Pick of the 2025 NFL Draft: The Most Underrated Thunderbolt of the Class and Potential Giants’ Backfield Enforcer
When the New York Giants selected Cam Skattebo with the 105th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it raised some eyebrows. While not an obvious household name, Skattebo is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most intriguing and undervalued picks of the entire draft class. Pro Football Focus (PFF), a highly respected analytical platform in the NFL world, has already named Skattebo as one of New York’s best selections. In fact, PFF even labeled him the most underrated “thunderbolt” of the 2025 draft, and given his skill set and potential, that’s a description that’s hard to argue with.
Skattebo was ranked as PFF’s third-best running back in the draft, and they placed him 51st overall on their big board, showing just how highly the platform regarded his talents. The Giants managed to secure him in the fourth round, an absolute steal given his production and potential impact. This wasn’t a case of a player slipping through the cracks; it was a clear example of a highly skilled prospect going undervalued by many in the league, and New York quickly capitalizing on it.
Known for his violent running style and impressive contact balance, Skattebo presents as a bruising force in the backfield. His ability to break tackles and push through defenders was a hallmark of his college career, where he posted an elite 94.6 PFF rushing grade in 2024. What makes him even more dangerous is his remarkable ability to avoid tackles—he forced 103 missed tackles during his final season, the second-most in the nation. These statistics are a testament to Skattebo’s unique combination of power and agility, making him a nightmare for defenders to bring down.
The Giants’ backfield, which had been in a state of flux after Saquon Barkley’s departure, now looks like it might have its identity thanks to Skattebo’s arrival. Barkley’s exit left a massive void, both in terms of leadership and production, but Skattebo has the potential to fill that role—and maybe even exceed expectations. While Skattebo’s running style isn’t identical to Barkley’s, he brings his own unique energy and style to the table. Where Barkley was known for his explosive elusiveness, Skattebo’s strength and aggression stand out. This provides the Giants with a very different but equally valuable dynamic in their rushing attack.
Pairing Skattebo with Tyrone Tracy Jr. further bolsters the Giants’ ground game, as Tracy brings speed and agility, complementing Skattebo’s bruising nature. This creates a “smash-and-dash” backfield duo, capable of both wearing down defenses with physical runs and exploiting the open field with speed and finesse. The combination of Skattebo’s power and Tracy’s agility provides the Giants with a multifaceted ground game that could control the tempo of games and keep opposing defenses on their heels.
What’s even more exciting is how Skattebo fits the energy of New York. The Giants’ fanbase is known for its toughness and grit, and Skattebo’s running style seems tailor-made for the Big Apple. He runs with a chip on his shoulder, finishing runs through contact, and plays with a relentless attitude that aligns perfectly with the culture of the Giants. His “angry” running approach could resonate with the fanbase, making him an immediate fan favorite if he lives up to his potential.
With the Giants looking for an answer to their running back situation in the post-Barkley era, Skattebo could very well be the solution. His skill set makes him one of the most intriguing and exciting prospects in the draft, and his combination of power, vision, and contact balance could elevate the Giants’ offense for years to come. If Skattebo continues to develop, he might just become the Giants’ next great backfield enforcer—a player who can carry the load, make game-changing plays, and become a centerpiece of the team’s identity moving forward. The Giants might just have found a hidden gem in the fourth round, and it’s a pick that could pay dividends for years to come.
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