As the New York Giants prepare for a new chapter in their offensive rebuild, an unexpected figure is beginning to make his presence felt.
Cam Skattebo, a rugged rookie was drafted in the fourth round out of Arizona State, may not carry the hype of a high draft pick, but he carries something else – a hunger to rise, and perhaps one day mirror the path once taken by Saquon Barkley.
While much of the preseason buzz has centered on fifth-round selection Tyrone Tracy Jr., Skattebo is quietly making his own case for playing time. With a bruising style of play and a chip on his shoulder, he’s setting his sights on more than just a roster spot.
“Cam Skattebo is a name that keeps popping up, and for good reason,” one NFC scout said. “He’s got a bit of 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.”
The Giants’ backfield is wide open following Barkley’s departure to the Eagles, and Skattebo knows that the first step toward leaving his own mark in New York starts with earning that starting role.
While he’s still far from being mentioned in the same breath as Barkley, Skattebo’s goal is clear – to become a reliable, every-down contributor that the team can count on.
A new duo in the making?
Beyond individual ambition, Skattebo’s rise could coincide with the emergence of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, another promising addition to the Giants’ roster.
The two rookies – both overlooked by many during the NFL Draft process – could form a young, hard-nosed tandem capable of giving the Giants’ offense a new identity.
If Dart earns the starting quarterback job and Skattebo climbs the depth chart, their partnership could offer the kind of energy and unpredictability New York has been missing in recent years. Head coach Brian Daboll is known for maximizing versatile talent, and Skattebo’s ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and special teams player may give him an early edge.
“Skattebo’s one of those guys who does all the little things right,” said a Giants assistant coach anonymously. “He might not be the fastest or most explosive guy out there, but he knows how to play the position. And that matters.”
Although Tracy Jr. is still considered the more dynamic option due to his speed and background as a wide receiver, there are lingering concerns about his ability to handle a full NFL workload. That opens the door for Skattebo to emerge as the more physical, dependable alternative – a necessary ingredient in an NFC East known for its trench battles and late-season cold-weather games.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but for Skattebo, that’s the point. Becoming the next Saquon Barkley isn’t about replicating talent – it’s about embracing the challenge, earning respect, and leading by example. If he and Dart can hit the ground running, the Giants might just have found the heart of their next offensive core.
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