Giants' Rookie Running Back Bad News for Veteran

The New York Giants, under general manager Joe Schoen, haven’t been shy about starting their rookies. That’s partly team philosophy and partly a result of one of the league’s lesser rosters, but it isn’t a trend that fans should expect to see curbed in 2025.

In Round 4, New York drafted running back Cam Skattebo, the final piece of the running back room. He’s a strong complement to second-year back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and, like much of last year’s class, will likely see legitimate playing time early in Year 1.

He likely won’t start – Tracy earned that title with his promising rookie campaign. But the Giants’ fourth-round running back is bad news for trustworthy veteran Devin Singletary.

In Bleacher Report’s list of Day 3 rookies who can make an instant impact, Skattebo makes the cut, relegating Singletary.

“In 2025, the Giants drafted another running back, Cam Skattebo, in the fourth round,” Damian Parson wrote. “Like Tracy, Skattebo is a multifaceted playmaker. He catches the ball well in space and runs like a hammer slamming a nail. The way he plays fits the grittiness of New York City.”

Singletary earned a $16.5 million contract after his career year, but was inefficient behind a crumbling Giants offensive line in 2024. He’s not the biggest, fastest, or strongest back, making big plays hard to come by. When Tracy started ripping off home runs, he was hard to take off the field.

Now, Singletary is in line to compete with Skattebo, who offers a more physical presence. Singletary’s technique and vision make him steady, but he profiles as reliable depth behind Skattebo, who has an easy path to playing in short-yardage situations.

“Skattebo's impact should be felt early as part of a talented tandem rushing attack with Tracy,” Parson continued. “His downhill, physical running style pairs well with Tracy's slashing/cutting style.

“Skattebo can thrive as the RB2 and late-game runner to protect the lead in the final eight minutes. He should also help set a tone early in games for the Giants offense.”

There’s a world in which Singletary gets a third of New York’s carries. Without injury hiccups or a left-tailed outcome on Skattebo’s rookie season, though, he’s bound to find far less playing time in what’s likely to be his final season in East Rutherford.