Giants Rookie Running Back Keeping Chip on Shoulder

The New York Giants were considered winners of the 2025 NFL Draft because of their ability to find good value with most of their selections. That was most prevalent when blue-chip edge rusher Abdul Carter fell to No. 3, but continued into Day 2 with defensive tackle Darius Alexander and then Day 3, most notably with fifth-round offensive lineman Marcus Mbow.

Among those steals is fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo. A college football icon, Skattebo won over fans with his unrelenting physical toughness and elite contact balance. He isn’t the biggest or fastest, but few backs can punish defenders like Skattebo.

That strength defines Skattebo’s game and makes him a strong complement to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

At his rookie camp press conference, the Giants running back detailed his approach to bringing that physicality into his rookie season.

“Getting in the end zone. I mean it feels good when you run somebody over and then get in the end zone,” he said. “I mean it feels good when you get in the end zone, but imagine running someone over and then running another person over and then getting in the end zone. It's that much better (laughs). So, it just shows that when you're physical, it shows the work you put in in the weight room and how much you do to make your game better.”

Skattebo is unique in that his power plays better than his 219-pound frame would suggest. He’s dense with good balance, and he can parlay those skills into big plays, even with below-average speed.

As such, Skattebo embraces the opportunity to truly run through defenders, a warning to the disinterested defensive backs that might lie in his path.

“And that's right, head up contact, that's real contact and shoulder to shoulder isn't as much contact as people think, and I have a good balance underneath my feet, so if I can get half a body, I feel like I'm in good shape to go past them,” Skattebo said.

The Arizona State product will likely split time with Tracy and, to some extent, Devin Singletary. He projects to be a key piece of a committee, but if the rest of Skattebo’s game translates as well as his strength, unseating Tracy remains a possibility.

“How many snaps of the NFL have you seen me play? Zero, right? I've proved nothing. I've proved what I am in college, but I've proved nothing at this level.

“So now where I'm at, I have to prove myself and if that's for five years or if that's for 10 years, I'm going to continue to prove myself. I'm the best, do it for the longest, so continue to do that and just work my butt off until time comes.”