Las Vegas need a new running back
Before the start of the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders were expected to lean on the run game. The combination of Zamir White and Alex Mattison was supposed to lead the way, but the Raiders were last in rushing EPA for 202.
However, the 2025 draft class is full of players who could become successful backs in the NFL. The senior bowl will be the first time fans will get a live look at prospects in Mobile, Alabama. One of the players to watch is Cam Skattebo from ASU, who had a breakout season.
Skattebo rushed for 1711 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024, helping lead ASU to college football playoffs. Also, he added 45 receptions and 605 yards as a receiver, showing his ability as a three-down running back at the next level.
What makes Skattebo so unique is his ability to break tackles. While he doesn’t have long speed, he bursts and finishes with the ball in his hands. A great example is this long run vs. Iowa St from the Big 12 Championship Game. Skattebo avoids the penetrating defensive lineman and jump cuts into the hole.
Skattebo’s opening run vs Iowa St. Avoids the penetrating lineman then quickly cuts back to the opening for a big gain on the counter play. pic.twitter.com/E6tHgXV358
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) January 12, 2025
His finishing ability allowed him to rack up 102 missed tackles on the season. As shown on the run below, he is hard to take down in the open field. Skattebo finds the hole in the power play, and it is him versus the linebacker in the hole. Skattebo comes out the winner and takes it for a huge gain.
Skattebo has natural running back instincts. He sets up the block for the pulling tackle baiting the LB then jump cutting inside. Rest is upfield burst and contact balance. pic.twitter.com/vaV8Lf6es6
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) January 12, 2025
Vision is another quality that makes Skattebo’s potential at the next level intriguing. In this run against Texas, he executed inside the zone. He set up the linebackers, understood the hole’s location, and hit it at full speed. He broke multiple tackles and made a big run when he got to the second level.
He also has a knack for the end zone and could help the Raiders in the red zone. On this counter run vs. Iowa St., he does a great job of allowing the blocks to develop and then quickly walk for a touchdown.
Skattebo can be a weapon out of the backfield in the passing game. ASU would give him swing passes, and he would create big plays for the offense. His most memorable play is vs. Texas in the College Football Playoffs. He does a jab step on the go route, displays a little veteran savvy, and holds off the defender for the huge catch in the clutch.
Skattebo would be a great fit for a power run scheme, and if the Raiders hire a coach with that philosophy, he would be their guy. The Senior Bowl will be huge for his draft stock, and an excellent showing could raise his draft stock.