Cam Skattebo wasn’t supposed to be the story this summer. A fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, he entered the New York Giants’ camp with little fanfare, overshadowed by higher-profile rookies and veterans alike.
But as practices have unfolded, one name keeps coming up in locker room conversations and scout reports: Skattebo.
He plays with a chip on his shoulder, a bruising running style, and a relentless work ethic that’s hard to ignore. And now, people are starting to notice — including scouts who see echoes of a familiar name when they watch him play.
Yes, some are even asking: Is Skattebo the next Saquon Barkley?
Not in terms of hype or draft pedigree — but in heart, versatility, and potential impact on the Giants’ offense.
The Saquon Comparison – More Than Just Hype
It’s easy to dismiss the comparison at first glance. Barkley was a No. 2 overall pick, a track star with rare athleticism and jaw-dropping highlight reels. Skattebo is none of those things — at least not in the same way.
But what he lacks in pure speed, he makes up for in physicality, vision, and grit. He doesn’t dance around defenders — he runs through them.
A NFC scout recently put it best:
“Cam Skattebo is a name that keeps popping up, and for good reason. He’s got that underdog energy, and he doesn’t shy away from contact. He reminds you a bit of those classic workhorse backs — the ones who grind out yards and wear down defenses.”
That kind of praise might not land him on a rookie card anytime soon, but it does something more important: it earns respect inside the building.
And for a team still finding its identity after Barkley’s departure, that kind of player matters.
A Backfield Wide Open
With Saquon gone, the Giants’ backfield is no longer defined by one man’s dominance. Instead, it’s wide open, and Skattebo is taking full advantage.
While fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. has drawn attention for his versatility and speed, questions remain about his durability and ability to handle a full workload. That leaves the door cracked — and Skattebo is walking right through it.
His approach is simple: run hard, catch passes, block well, and contribute on special teams. There’s nothing flashy about it — just consistent, reliable football.
And in the NFC East, where cold weather games and tough sledding define December football, that kind of player could become essential.
Building Something With Jaxson Dart
Skattebo isn’t the only rookie trying to make an early impression.
Enter Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ young quarterback who also flew under the radar during the draft. Like Skattebo, Dart is determined to prove he belongs — and together, the two could form a gritty, hard-nosed duo capable of reshaping the Giants’ offensive identity.
Head coach Brian Daboll loves players who maximize their skill set, and Skattebo fits that mold perfectly. Whether it’s picking up blitzes, converting short-yardage situations, or stretching the field as a receiver, Skattebo is showing he can do it all.
If Dart earns the nod under center, having a back like Skattebo could give the offense a much-needed spark.
What Coaches Are Saying
Inside the facility, the buzz around Skattebo is growing.
One anonymous assistant coach praised his football IQ and work ethic:
“He might not be the fastest or most explosive guy out there, but he knows how to play the position. And that matters.”
In a league obsessed with upside and ceiling, Skattebo is proving that preparation, consistency, and toughness still count for something.
Final Thought: A Blueprint for Success
Cam Skattebo isn’t trying to be the second coming of Saquon Barkley — but maybe that’s the point.
Barkley brought flash. Skattebo brings fight.
He’s not going to wow anyone with a 40-yard dash time, but he will earn every yard, take every hit, and do whatever it takes to help his team win.
For Giants fans hungry for a new identity, Skattebo might be the kind of player they didn’t know they needed.
And if he keeps showing up like this, it won’t be long before nobody overlooks him again.