ASU Alumni and Giants Running Back Cam Skattebo Receives Lukewarm Early Assessment from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell

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ASU Alumni and Giants Running Back Cam Skattebo Receives Lukewarm Early Assessment from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell

Optimistic Prospects and Challenges: Rookie Running Backs in NFL Spotlight

Cam Skattebo’s Journey with the New York Giants

The current season has not been kind to rookie running back Cam Skattebo and the New York Giants. Skattebo, hailing from Arizona State, stepped up as a starter following the injury of Tyrone Tracy Jr. However, the transition to the NFL has posed challenges, highlighting concerns about his adaptability despite showcasing some promising highlights during his college career.

Replacing seasoned quarterbacks with rookie talent like Jaxon Dart, who succeeded Russell Wilson after just three games, head coach Brian Daboll is seeking a new team dynamic. Skattebo, in turn, has had difficulty igniting a strong rushing game, a sentiment echoed by ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell after an analysis through Week 5.

Performance Metrics of Skattebo

During his pro day at Arizona State, Skattebo recorded a 4.57-second 40-yard dash — a decent feat, albeit not exceptional for a 220-pound back. This initial skepticism about his speed and adaptability seems validated considering his weekly NFL challenges.

Out of 63 rush attempts, only five resulted in gains of 10 yards or more.
He ranks 26th out of 34 backs evaluated by Barnwell in terms of generating explosive plays.
With a minus-0.28 expected points added (EPA) per rush, he stands 33rd among his peers.

While these metrics seem discouraging, Skattebo’s proficiency as a receiver offers a glimmer of hope. With 18 receptions on 22 targets for 143 yards, he has made strides in open space, providing glimpses of the aggressive play that made him a standout in college.

The Bright Spot: Jacory Croskey-Merritt

In contrast, former Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, now with the Washington Commanders, is making waves. Overcoming eligibility issues during his short stint with the Arizona Wildcats, Croskey-Merritt was picked in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Croskey-Merritt has demonstrated an impressive skill set as an early-down back:

Averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
21 of 43 attempts exceeding six yards — a 49% success rate.
First among 34 qualified backs in EPA per rush and success rate.

While primarily utilized in rushing roles, the Commanders’ strategic deployment of Croskey-Merritt underscores a cautious, yet effective use of his talents, sparking intrigue about his future role in the team.

As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will remain on these rookies, eager to see if Skattebo can unlock his full potential alongside his quarterback counterpart Dart, and whether Croskey-Merritt will continue to build on his impressive start.

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