Cam Skattebo: New York Giants’ Fourth-Round Pick Draws Praise as Potential Draft Steal

Former NFL Pro-Bowler Jake Plummer recently expressed his admiration for Cam Skattebo, a fourth-round running back selection by the New York Giants and fellow alumnus from Arizona State. Plummer highlighted Skattebo’s remarkable talent and his pivotal role in Arizona State’s successful College Football Playoff run last season.

Plummer was astonished by the gap in the NFL Draft where Skattebo was chosen. During a recent segment on OutKick’s The Ricky Cobb Show, he remarked, “I can’t believe he fell that far in the draft to be honest with you.” His reaction underscores the unexpected outcome of Skattebo’s draft position.

He elaborated on the negative narratives that often influence draft decisions. “Again, it’s the narrative, he’s not fast enough, he’s got too much wear and tear on his tread, and it’s just like, these pundits they start talking, and these words get out, and it can influence decisions, but he found himself in the right place,” noted Plummer. He is confident Skattebo will thrive in New York, emphasizing his resilience and dedication to the game.

Plummer praised Skattebo for his versatile skill set, stating, “Regardless of him being a Sun Devil or not, he can run the ball well, he can catch the ball well, and in this league, you better know how to pass block, and he can pass block well also from that running back position, so I think the Giants got the steal of the draft.” This kind of endorsement from a seasoned NFL player reinforces Skattebo’s potential impact on the field.

Last season, Skattebo demonstrated his prowess by finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting and leading the Big 12 in rushing yards. He amassed an impressive 1,711 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing significantly through the air with 45 receptions for 605 yards and three receiving touchdowns. His performance showcases why he is considered a valuable asset for the Giants.

Plummer shared that he first recognized Skattebo’s potential during a spring practice session a couple of years back. “My first impression of him … was at spring practice a couple of years ago at Arizona State. I went out and watched this kid take every single rep at running back, and he was on special teams, all the running backs were injured that day,” recalled Plummer. This hands-on experience allowed him to see Skattebo’s hard work and determination firsthand.

Plummer observed Skattebo’s relentless effort during practice: “He would run 30 yards downfield, sprint back to the huddle. You could see that he visibly he was worn out, but every time that ball was snapped, he would dig deeper and come up with something and I said, ‘Wow, this kid’s got something in him.’” Such perseverance and mental toughness are qualities that can significantly benefit any team.

No player in the Big 12 had more rushing attempts or plays from scrimmage last season than Skattebo. This heavy workload only amplifies Plummer’s belief that Skattebo could emerge as the NFL Draft’s biggest surprise. He conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to see how he does at the next level.”

The Giants are optimistic that Skattebo will join fellow running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. to create a formidable tandem in the NFL. Tracy, a fifth-round rookie last season out of Purdue, had an impressive debut, starting 12 games and accumulating 839 rushing yards along with five rushing touchdowns. He also made 38 receptions for 284 yards and one receiving touchdown. This duo could potentially redefine the running game for the Giants.

Plummer’s career as an NFL quarterback spans a decade, during which he played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. In 136 career starts, he achieved a balanced record of 69 wins and 67 losses, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 1:1, throwing 161 touchdowns and 161 interceptions. His insights carry weight, particularly when evaluating young talents like Skattebo.

Looking Ahead

As Skattebo begins his professional career, the anticipation surrounding his performance grows. The Giants’ management and fans alike hope he will capitalize on the praise from veterans like Plummer and make a significant impact on the field. Should he live up to expectations, Skattebo could become not only a key player for the Giants but also a celebrated example of how talent can sometimes be overlooked in the draft process.

The future looks bright for both Cam Skattebo and the New York Giants as they aim for success in the upcoming NFL season. With Plummer’s endorsement and a supporting cast of promising players, the stage is set for Skattebo to shine and potentially validate the optimism surrounding him.