Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo captured the attention of college football fans everywhere with an exhilarating performance in the Sun Devils’ 39-31 overtime loss to Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
More than a few NFL front offices were probably daydreaming about how he’d look in their offense.
Here’s an early look at the five best fits for Skattebo in the NFL.
5. San Francisco 49ers
Skattebo would likely thrive in 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s running back-friendly offensive system.
Despite only having 2023 Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey for four games, the 49ers are 11th in rushing yards (2,025) and seventh in rush yards per attempt (4.7).
Jordan Mason (153 carries, 789 yards) and Isaac Guerendo (82 carries, 415 yards) have had strong seasons, and it’s easy to envision Skattebo finding similar success in the same system.
He’d be valuable from a financial perspective, too. San Francisco has several high-priced veterans on long-term deals to account for, including McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, edge Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. Tight end George Kittle and wideout Deebo Samuel are entering the final year of their contracts in 2025, and the Niners must also pay Brock Purdy — or another quarterback.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
According to Pro Football Reference, the Chiefs are 29th in yards after contact (YAC) per rush attempt (1.6 yards). The bruising, hard-to-bring-down Skattebo could push them toward the top of those rankings next season.
Skattebo gained 4.1 yards after contact per rush attempt this season, per Pro Football Focus data. His 1,202 yards after contact rank third in FBS, trailing Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.
3. Detroit Lions
With 2024 Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions don’t need Skattebo. But stylistically, is there a more perfect fit for Skattebo than in Dan Campbell’s hyper-aggressive offense? Probably not.
Skattebo’s tough running would mesh perfectly with Campbell’s aggressive philosophy. The Sun Devils back has been excellent in short-yardage situations. Per CFB Stats, Skattebo gained 28 first downs on 37 third-down carries with 1-3 yards to gain (75.7 percent). Skattebo picked up six first downs on fourth-down carries, the eighth-most among Division I running backs.
The Lions have attempted 29 fourth-down conversions after failing to convert on third down 101 times. Their 28.7 percent fourth-down attempt rate leads the NFL, and Campbell would have even more reason to go for it on fourth down with Skattebo on the roster.
2. Chicago Bears
The Bears have an NFL-low nine broken tackles on 405 rushing attempts. Per PFF data, Skattebo has forced 102 missed tackles, only trailing Jeanty for the most in FBS.
Skattebo would fill a crucial offensive need while potentially becoming quarterback Caleb Williams’ best friend. An improved rushing attack could take an enormous strain off of Williams and help him live up to his billing as 2024’s No. 1 overall pick.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Entering Week 18, the Bengals are last in rush YAC (521) and YAC per rushing attempt (1.5 yards). This season, Skattebo gained 70.2 percent of his 1,712 yards after contact.
The Bengals are led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who is having an MVP-caliber season. He is 423-of-606 (69.8 percent) for a league-high 4,641 yards and 42 touchdowns while only throwing eight interceptions.
Cincinnati has more pressing defensive needs, but Skattebo would still be a good fit for a Bengals team that could use his toughness.
