What Cam Skattebo has done for Arizona State’s football program this season is nothing short of remarkable. Predicted to finish near the bottom of the new Big 12 conference, the team defied expectations by clinching the conference title and securing a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. While Skattebo had support from standout freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and the strategic mind of head coach Kenny Dillingham, it was clear that Skattebo was the backbone of this team’s success. His performance this season makes a compelling case for why the Las Vegas Raiders should seriously consider drafting him in the upcoming NFL draft.
Coming out of high school in 2019, Skattebo was not heavily recruited, lacking any stars according to 247 Sports. He initially took his talents to Sacramento State, where he churned out impressive numbers, surpassing 1,800 rushing yards and collecting 13 touchdowns over three seasons, after redshirting his freshman year. Upon transferring to Arizona State, Skattebo made an instant impact. However, it was his 2024 season that truly showcased his capabilities. Skattebo racked up more than 2,300 all-purpose yards and found the end zone 24 times, numbers that placed him among the elite running backs nationally, second only to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty in terms of sheer statistics.
Before Arizona State’s clash with Texas, Skattebo confidently declared himself the top running back in the nation—and his performance reinforced his claim. He was instrumental, even throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass, in keeping his team competitive. By the end of the game, Skattebo had tallied 30 carries for 143 rushing yards, two touchdowns, along with 99 receiving yards. Despite the Sun Devils falling narrowly in overtime to the Longhorns, Skattebo’s display was a clear signal of his potential to become a long-term asset in the NFL. The Raiders’ decision-makers should be taking notes—he could be their answer in the backfield.
This season, the Raiders’ ground game struggled significantly. With Alexander Mattison, Zamir White, and Ameer Abdullah failing to spark, the team ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing offense. Expectations for breakouts from players like White and Mattison fell flat, with White finding himself benched early and Mattison grappling with injuries all year. The offensive woes suggest a rebuild is necessary, likely beginning with a quarterback in the first round, but refreshing the backfield is equally crucial. Enter Skattebo, a workhorse the Raiders desperately need.
Currently, Cam Skattebo is projected to go late in the third round, according to CBS Sports and NBC. Given the depth of this draft’s running back class and expert Mel Kiper ranking him among the top 10, the Raiders will likely have the chance to snag him. Since Josh Jacobs’ departure, the Raiders have been left searching for a leading rusher. Investing in Skattebo, even risking an early pick like the second round, could prove wise given his passion and performance. Pairing Skattebo with their anticipated first-round quarterback selection could very well spearhead a turnaround for the Raiders next season.
