🏈 Cameron Skattebo: From Sun Devil Star to NFL Draft Prospect
- Jordon Leon
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Cameron Skattebo's tenure at Arizona State University (ASU) has been nothing short of remarkable. As he transitions from college football to the professional arena, NFL teams are taking note of his impressive statistics, versatility, and on-field tenacity.
📊 2024–2025 Cameron Skattebo Season Highlights
Cameron Skattebo’s senior campaign at Arizona State was nothing short of exceptional — a season that solidified his NFL Draft stock and displayed the full range of his capabilities. As a do-it-all offensive weapon, he became the heartbeat of ASU's offense in 2024.
Rushing: 293 carries for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns
Skattebo ranked among the top 10 rushers in the FBS.
Averaged 5.8 yards per carry, consistently moving the chains and wearing down defenses late in games.
Recorded nine 100+ yard rushing games, including a season-high 198 yards against Colorado.
Receiving: 605 receiving yards on 49 catches with 3 touchdowns
Lined up in the slot and outside at times, showing flexibility in route running.
Excelled in the screen game and was a reliable check-down option for ASU quarterbacks.
Had three games with 75+ receiving yards — rare for a running back of his build.
All-Purpose Impact:
Skattebo totaled over 2,300 all-purpose yards, including limited return duties, placing him among the most productive skill players in the nation.
Earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors and was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist.
Finished 5th in Heisman Trophy voting, the highest by a Sun Devil since Jake Plummer in 1996.
This season proved Skattebo is more than just a power runner — he’s a dynamic, modern back who fits the evolving NFL offensive landscape.
📈 NFL Draft Projection
NFL scouts have kept a close eye on Skattebo since his breakout year at Sacramento State and his transition to Power 5 competition at ASU. After a monster senior season, his draft stock has risen significantly.
Current Projections:
3rd to 4th Round Range
CBS Sports’ most recent mock draft places him at No. 99 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers — a team known for power backs and hard-nosed football.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has Skattebo going to the Denver Broncos in Round 4, citing his scheme versatility and special teams upside.
Strengths Noted by Scouts:
High-level production across multiple seasons and conferences.
Powerful lower body, breaks arm tackles easily.
Fluid receiver out of the backfield — can stay on the field all three downs.
Football IQ and leadership — described as “coach-like” in film prep and locker room demeanor.
Areas of Improvement:
Lacks elite top-end speed; unlikely to break 75+ yard runs in the NFL.
Needs to tighten ball security (4 fumbles in 2024).
Can be a bit too physical at times — takes unnecessary contact.
Despite not having the straight-line burst of a first-round back, Skattebo’s production, versatility, and physical style have earned him serious mid-round buzz.
🏟️ Ideal NFL Team Fits
Skattebo’s skillset makes him a versatile fit for multiple offensive schemes, but a few NFL teams stand out as ideal landing spots based on need and play style:
🟡 Pittsburgh Steelers
Why it fits: The Steelers love physical, downhill runners (Le’Veon Bell, Najee Harris), and their offensive identity is built around toughness. With Harris potentially moving on, Skattebo would be a natural heir to the RB1 mantle.
Offensive Scheme: Zone/Power Hybrid – fits Skattebo’s one-cut running style perfectly.
🟠 Denver Broncos
Why it fits: Denver’s offense under Sean Payton utilizes backs who can run, catch, and block. Think Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, and Alvin Kamara from Payton’s Saints days. Skattebo could thrive in a similar role.
Scheme Bonus: Russell Wilson–style rollouts and RPOs give Skattebo opportunities in space.
🟢 Cleveland Browns
Why it fits: Nick Chubb’s injury and Kareem Hunt’s inconsistency leave questions in the backfield. Skattebo could step in as a reliable early-down back while learning behind a seasoned vet.
Culture Fit: Hard-nosed, blue-collar city matches Skattebo’s rugged running style.
🔮 Rookie Season Outlook
Cameron Skattebo is one of the most intriguing mid-round running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His blend of physicality, versatility, and football IQ sets him up to make an impact from day one, even if he isn’t immediately a feature back.
🚀 Contribute Immediately
Skattebo's ability to contribute in multiple ways is a huge asset for NFL offensive coordinators. He can line up as a traditional running back, function in two-back sets, or even shift into the slot to exploit mismatches against linebackers. In his final season at Arizona State, he logged over 600 receiving yards on screens, swing passes, and seam routes — showcasing soft hands and route-running savvy.
Additionally, Skattebo’s pass protection ability is above average for a rookie back, which will earn him early reps on third down. Coaches value backs who can both pick up blitzes and leak out as safety valves, and Skattebo fits that bill.
💥 Special Teams Impact
Skattebo’s motor runs hot, and that hustle will be an asset on special teams early in his career. He has the size (5'10", 215 lbs) and athleticism to contribute as a gunner, punt protector, or even on kickoff coverage units. This versatility will make him a game-day active player even if he isn’t the RB1 right away — and once he's on the field, it won't take long for coaches to find more ways to use him.
🔓 Potential Starter
If Skattebo lands in the right offensive system — especially one that emphasizes downhill running and play-action schemes — he has a legitimate shot at becoming a starter by midseason. His compact build and strong lower body make him difficult to tackle, while his patience and vision allow him to identify cutback lanes and punish defenses late in games.
Injuries, matchups, and offensive design will all play a role, but Skattebo’s physical and mental readiness could allow him to overtake a committee role and eventually carve out a full-time starting job — particularly on teams like Pittsburgh or Cleveland, where tough, between-the-tackles runners thrive.
Cameron Skattebo's transition to the NFL is highly anticipated, with many expecting him to make significant contributions early in his professional career.