Former Arizona State star running back Cam Skattebo is preparing for next month's NFL Draft. But his draft stock is falling.
In the latest ESPN NFL mock draft, Skattebo's star is projected to fall to the fourth round to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Other mock drafts also project Skattebo going in the fourth round, but to the Denver Broncos. The 49ers could also be an option. Mel Kiper, Jr. has Skattebo rated as the ninth-best running back in this class.
Historically, the Steelers have been a run-first team. You remember, Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis. Skattebo could be next in a long line of talented running backs to suit up in the black and gold. But there are some concerns.
Skattebo posted a head-turning 39.5-inch vertical leap at the NFL Combine. But he did not run the 40-yard dash or perform any of the on-field drills with the running backs group because of an injury.
When Skattebo finally did run the 40-yard dash for scouts, he ran north of 4.5 seconds. In the eyes of the scouts, Skattebo did not do himself any favors from a speed standpoint.
While the 40-yard dash is but one data point by which to be measured, Skattebo's game performance on film jumps off the screen.
Last season, Skattebo set a school record for rushing yards in a season with 1,711 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. In addition, he gained 605 rushing yards and added three more scores. Skattebo's receiving skills out of the backfield are coveted by NFL teams.
One of the biggest breakout stars this season was Cam Skattebo of Arizona State. He ran for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season and in the Peach Bowl had 143 yards rushing, 99 receiving, 50 yards passing and 3 total TD's. pic.twitter.com/d2Xon30FQ3
— College Football Live (@CollegeFBonX) March 25, 2025
Skattebo may not be the fastest in this deep running back class, but he is a pure football player with the deep desire to stamp cleat marks on the helmets of opposing tacklers on his way to the end zone.
Which NFL team drafts Skattebo is going to get a bruising and productive ball carrier who loves the game of football. But he loves proving his doubters wrong even more.
Skattebo and other draft hopefuls will descend upon the venerable football city of Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 24-26 for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Related: Urban Meyer Has Strong Opinion of Cam Skattebo Ahead of NFL Combine
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 8:20 PM.