2025 NFL mock draft: Cam Skattebo of Arizona State to the Dallas Cowboys
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Skattebo of Arizona State to the Dallas Cowboys
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal one for teams looking to solidify their futures, and for the Dallas Cowboys, it represents an opportunity to build on their championship aspirations while addressing several areas of need. As always, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office will be looking to add pieces that can contribute immediately, but with an eye toward long-term success. While the Cowboys have had a solid roster in recent seasons, the team faces questions at various positions, including running back, where they have struggled to find consistent playmaking since the days of Ezekiel Elliott’s peak.
In this context, one of the most intriguing and potentially game-changing selections for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft is Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo, who has quickly risen to prominence in college football, offers a blend of speed, power, and playmaking ability that could bring an extra dimension to Dallas’ offense, particularly in the running game, which has been a vital element of the Cowboys’ identity under head coach Mike McCarthy.
This article will explore why Cam Skattebo is an ideal fit for the Cowboys, why he is poised to be a first-round pick, and how his selection would impact the team’s future both in the short and long term.
Who is Cam Skattebo?
Cam Skattebo, a standout running back for the Arizona State Sun Devils, has developed into one of the most exciting prospects in college football. Born and raised in California, Skattebo’s football career began at the high school level, where he showcased his exceptional athleticism and speed. His performances at Arizona State have elevated him to elite status, and by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around, he will be viewed as one of the top running backs available.
Skattebo has a combination of traits that make him highly coveted in today’s NFL. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Skattebo is built like a workhorse back but possesses the burst and agility of a much smaller player. His blend of size, speed, and vision makes him a perfect fit for a system that values versatility and explosive plays. Skattebo has consistently been able to break through arm tackles and churn out yards after contact, all while displaying impressive balance and a low center of gravity.
Additionally, Skattebo has demonstrated excellent vision, routinely making subtle cuts that allow him to find open lanes in the defense. He’s also shown proficiency in the passing game, catching passes out of the backfield and turning short gains into big plays. This dual-threat capability makes him an ideal prospect in today’s NFL, where running backs who can contribute in the passing game are increasingly valuable.
In terms of accolades, Skattebo has accumulated impressive statistics over his college career, including multiple 1,000-yard seasons and several highlight-reel plays. His ability to perform on the biggest stages and his durability through multiple seasons of college football will make him a sought-after commodity in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Why Cam Skattebo Fits the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are entering a critical phase in their team-building process. After years of relying on Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott as their offensive cornerstones, the Cowboys are searching for the next great running back to complement their talented quarterback and offensive line. While Tony Pollard has shown promise as a potential lead back, his ability to handle a heavy workload for an entire season remains a question mark.
Cam Skattebo’s skill set would bring a unique dynamic to the Cowboys’ offense. Let’s break down the reasons why Skattebo is the perfect fit for Dallas.
1. A True Workhorse Back
One of the Cowboys’ most pressing needs in the 2025 Draft is a true workhorse running back. While Tony Pollard is an effective and explosive player, he is better suited to a complementary role rather than being the feature back. Skattebo, on the other hand, has the size, durability, and physicality to handle a heavy workload. His ability to pound the ball between the tackles, grind out tough yards, and wear down defenses is exactly what the Cowboys need in their ground game.
The Cowboys have a top-tier offensive line, and adding Skattebo could significantly improve their ability to control the clock and dominate on the ground. His vision, patience, and decision-making behind the line of scrimmage would allow the Cowboys to establish a more balanced offense, which would take pressure off Prescott and open up opportunities in the passing game.
2. Dual-Threat Capability
Another key element that makes Skattebo such a great fit for the Cowboys is his ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver. While Elliott was a reliable receiving option during his peak years, Pollard has yet to show the consistency needed in the passing game to truly take on that dual-threat role. Skattebo, however, has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and serve as a legitimate receiving threat, which would diversify the Cowboys’ offense.
In today’s NFL, running backs who can make an impact as receivers are increasingly valuable, and Skattebo’s skill set would add a new layer to the Cowboys’ offensive playbook. His ability to line up as a receiving option out of the backfield would force defenses to account for him in both the running and passing games, opening up opportunities for other skill players like CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
3. Complementing Dak Prescott and the Passing Game
For the Cowboys to truly reach their potential, they need to keep defenses on their toes. A balanced offense that can hurt teams both through the air and on the ground will be essential in their quest for playoff success. Skattebo’s ability to be a legitimate threat in both phases would allow Dak Prescott to continue thriving as a passer, as teams would no longer be able to focus exclusively on the passing game.
With Prescott’s ability to make precise throws and move the ball downfield, adding a versatile running back like Skattebo would create more opportunities for play-action, misdirection, and the kind of balanced offensive attack that has been the hallmark of championship teams in recent years.
4. Stability at the Running Back Position
The running back position has been a revolving door for the Cowboys in recent years, with injuries and inconsistent play at times leaving the team without a true lead back. By selecting Skattebo, the Cowboys would not only gain an immediate contributor, but they would also secure a long-term solution at the running back position. Skattebo is a durable player with the ability to handle the rigors of an NFL season, and his presence could allow the Cowboys to avoid a situation where they’re searching for running back depth in the coming seasons.
What Does the Selection of Cam Skattebo Mean for the Cowboys?
If the Cowboys were to select Cam Skattebo with the 2025 NFL Draft, the implications would be far-reaching. It would signal that the franchise is committed to building a well-rounded offense that can compete at the highest level.
Immediate Impact
Skattebo’s impact would be felt immediately, as he would likely become the feature back in the Cowboys’ offense. With his combination of size, speed, and vision, he would be able to make an immediate difference both on the ground and in the passing game. The Cowboys’ offensive line, which has been one of the best in the league, would be an ideal match for Skattebo’s skill set, as they could open up holes for him to exploit.
By adding Skattebo, the Cowboys would be able to balance their offense and make life easier for Prescott. The ability to lean on a reliable running game would allow Dallas to avoid being one-dimensional, especially in critical situations, such as during the postseason.
Long-Term Stability
In the long term, Skattebo would provide the Cowboys with stability at a position that has been in flux since Elliott’s peak years. By drafting him, the Cowboys would secure a potential franchise back who could lead the offense for the next several seasons. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver would make him a valuable asset for years to come, allowing the Cowboys to focus on other areas of need in future drafts.
