After Cam Skattebo‘s stellar Primetime performance of 110 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns, it’s clear he has changed the New York Giants’ offensive philosophy. Skattebo is fourth among rookies in scrimmage yards per game (82.2) and tied for third in the entire NFL in rushing touchdowns (five).
He has been one of the biggest steals of the 2025 Draft and has already solidified himself as a foundational piece of the Giants’ offense for the future.
How Did He Fall in the Draft?
Skattebo had a glamorous final year at Arizona State, which was capped off by his heroic playoff performance against Texas. Despite this, he fell all the way to the fourth round of the draft and was the eighth running back taken.
There were multiple reasons for his Day 3 selection — one being his playstyle, being a bruising running back, but standing at just 5-foot-10. Another reason was his questionable vision, as he often failed to look at the hole but instead at the closest defender to run over. Many teams overlooked Skattebo’s impressive agility due to his unorthodox play style.
Because of these concerns, many thought Skattebo’s play would not translate to the NFL, and he would not have a solidified role in an offense.
He Has Changed the Giants’ Offensive Identity
Since Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s Week 3 injury, the Giants have given Skattebo a formidable workload. In the past four weeks, he has had 85 touches and is fourth in the NFL in touches per game in his past three games (23.0). He has allowed the Giants to establish a bruiser identity, running at will in short-yardage situations and chewing up the clock.
Skattebo’s workhorse ability allowed the Giants to run down the final 6:50 in their upset win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants had previously struggled with running the clock down, thereby giving opponents extra opportunities in the fourth quarter.
Perhaps Skattebo’s most significant contribution has been to the Giants’ redzone efficiency.
In years past, and earlier this season, the Giants were inept at scoring touchdowns in the redzone. Over the past three weeks, the Giants have achieved a red-zone touchdown scoring percentage of 58%, which is significantly higher than their season average of 40%.
Skattebo’s relentless fight for extra yards has made the Giants a vastly more efficient offense.
What Changes He Makes to the Giants’ Future
Drafted in the fourth round, the Giants didn’t anticipate Skattebo to be the franchise back he is playing as right now. Now, he appears to be a key building block of the young Giants offense. With him running up the middle and against stacked boxes the majority of the time, it’s clear interior offensive upgrades are more important than ever.
Skattebo’s emergence to stardom has given the Giants’ offense an identity it has long needed and provides them with a clear direction for future needs.
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