Cam Skattebo’s 2025 Redraft Outlook: Giants RB Worth a Late Pick?

Let’s get one thing straight: Skattebo wasn’t some flash-in-the-pan college wonder who got lucky for a season. This kid transferred from Sacramento State to Arizona State and proceeded to absolutely demolish Pac-12 defenses in 2024. We’re talking about 1,712 rushing yards on 293 carries (5.8 yards per carry) and 21 rushing touchdowns. Oh, and he wasn’t just a one-trick pony either, with 544 receiving yards and three more scores through the air.

The advanced metrics tell an even better story. Among running backs with 200+ carries, Skattebo ranked second in Pro Football Focus rushing grade and fourth in elusive rating. Translation? This wasn’t just volume padding against weak competition. The man was breaking tackles and making defenders look foolish on a weekly basis.

But here’s where it gets interesting (and slightly concerning for fantasy purposes): that 4.71 forty-yard dash time isn’t exactly burning up the track. In an NFL where speed kills, Skattebo’s going to have to rely on his bruising style and sure hands to carve out a role.

The Giants’ Backfield Situation Is Murkier Than Expected

Anyone expecting Skattebo to waltz into MetLife Stadium and immediately take over the backfield needs a reality check. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a respectable rookie season in 2024, posting 830 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 192 attempts. Sure, his advanced metrics weren’t exactly eye-popping, ranking 48th out of 50 qualifiers in rushing success rate, but the Giants seem committed to giving him every opportunity to build on that foundation.

The smart money says we’re looking at a committee approach to start the season, with both backs getting their fair share of touches. Team insiders have hinted that Skattebo might initially find his niche on third downs, which could provide some sneaky PPR upside for savvy fantasy managers.

Why Skattebo’s Fantasy Value Is All About Patience

Here’s the thing about Skattebo that separates him from your typical late-round flier: this kid has legitimate NFL skills. His 1.95 yards per route run in college was borderline elite, and his ability to break tackles (over 100 broken tackles in 2024) should translate well to the professional level.

The hamstring injury that sidelined him for most of August training camp might actually work in his favor long-term. While Tracy gets the early-season spotlight, Skattebo can quietly work his way back to full health and learn the system. Don’t be surprised if he starts eating into Tracy’s workload by mid-season.

The Giants’ Offensive Outlook Adds Another Layer

Let’s be honest about what we’re dealing with in New York. This isn’t exactly the 2007 Patriots offense we’re talking about. Russell Wilson represents an upgrade at quarterback, but he’s more game manager than game changer at this stage of his career. The offensive line has question marks beyond Andrew Thomas, and the overall offensive philosophy under Brian Daboll has been inconsistent at best.

This creates both opportunity and concern for Skattebo. On one hand, a struggling passing game might mean more opportunities for the ground game. On the other hand, negative game scripts and limited red zone opportunities could cap the ceiling for any Giants skill position player.

The Bottom Line on Skattebo’s 2025 Fantasy Outlook

If you’re drafting Skattebo expecting immediate RB2 production, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. But if you’re looking for a late-round stash with legitimate breakout potential, this is your guy. His college production was too dominant to ignore, and his skill set, particularly as a receiver, gives him multiple paths to fantasy relevance.

The projection of around 150 carries and 27 receptions seems reasonable for a player who might start the season as the clear backup but could easily work his way into a 50-50 split by year’s end. In deeper leagues or as a bench stash in standard formats, Skattebo represents exactly the type of player who could pay massive dividends if things break right.

Just don’t expect fireworks in September. This is a slow-burning situation that patient fantasy managers could ride to unexpected success later in the season.