3 Stats Define Giants' Newest Running Back

One of the New York Giants’ goals entering the 2025 NFL Draft was finding a quality complement to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. Devin Singletary was an acceptable backup running back, which Tracy quickly made clear, but for the ground game to blossom, more between-the-tackles power was necessary.

Skattebo fits that billing. Drafted in the fourth round, Skattebo is a young, cheap addition to the backfield. But he brings real upside to the next level, and his impact can be felt rather quickly in the Giants’ offense.

Skattebo is known for being among the most powerful runners in college football and his draft class. However, it’s important not to typecast him. Until he shows that’s all he can do, Skattebo should (and likely will) be used in several roles.

There’s more to Skattebo than meets the eye, defined by three key stats (via Pro Football Focus).

Missed Tackles Forced

Skattebo’s superpower is his contact balance. He possesses elite power in a 219-pound frame, rushing downhill and burying defensive backs in the process. Defenders seem to bounce off him, and he’s slippery in the open field, despite a lack of true lateral agility.

In 2024, only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty had more missed tackles forced (152) than Skattebo (103).

Skattebo is a playmaker, and his competitive toughness blends with his elusiveness to make him a nuisance on every carry.

Yards per Route Run

No qualified running back posted more yards per route run than Skattebo (1.95). That mark helps showcase his every-down ability. He might do his most frequent work in the flats, but Skattebo has experience running more downfield routes, and at times, the Arizona State offense was funneled through him.

This is more important given the boost he should give in pass protection, putting him on the field on passing downs when Tracy isn’t. If he’s more than just a strong pass protector, New York will have two third-down backs in its stable.

Yards After Contact per Attempt

Of course, Skattebo’s game eventually circles back to power and his contagious physicality. His ability to shake off tackles makes him more of a big-play threat than his speed would suggest.

Skattebo averaged 4.09 yards after contact per attempt in 2024, the eighth-most among 39 qualified backs. That skill set makes him even more valuable when the offensive line breaks down, which Giants fans have been able to set their clocks to in recent years.

Skattebo profiles as a natural complement to Tracy who thrives in short-yardage and red-zone situations. But the rest of his game has a chance to stick, too, and that versatility could define his impact in 2025.