The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Vikings fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Vikings will need, but it is important to go beyond that.
In the case of this running back report, we will cover the position here at Vikings Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.
The Vikings have shown that their offense and what they hope to achieve rely upon the team’s consistent ground attack. The trade for Cam Akers was a nice band-aid approach, but Akers and Ty Chandler aren’t long-term answers. Aaron Jones also has been a breath of fresh air and has made a bigger impact than anyone could have hoped. Even if they bring him back, we need a backup option in place and someone who could step up and become the guy if called upon.
With that in mind, here is a running back prospect who could don a Vikings uniform next season.
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) has his face mask grabbed after a catch by Texas defensive back Andrew Mukuba (4) during the fourth quarter in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
Player: Cam Skattebo
School: Arizona State (formerly Sacramento State)
Year: Fifth-Year Senior
DOB (Age when drafted): February 5, 2002 (23)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 225 lbs.
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) warms up before playing against Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.
- 0-star recruit according to 247 Sports
- Ran for 3,550 yards and 42 touchdowns as a Junior in high school
- First-Team All-Big Sky in 2022
- First-Team All-American in 2024
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) escapes a tackle by Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) during the fourth quarter in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
Touches: 526
Rushing Yards: 2,494
Rushing Touchdowns: 30
Receiving Yards: 891
Receiving Touchdowns: 4
Fumbles: 10
Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Will McLaughlin (23) and defensive back Ta’Shawn James (19) and Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) in action during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Rushing Grade: 94.6
Yards Per Carry After Contact: 4.09
Rushing Attempts Over 10 Yards: 45
Yards After Catch Per Reception: 13
Yards Per Route Run: 1.92
Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs wi the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
- Can pick up blitzers in pass protection
- Shows good awareness as a runner and receiver
- Big gas tank, shows he can handle a large workload
- Tremendous contact balance
- Stays inbounds to fight for extra yards at the end of runs
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Vision: 6
Cutback Ability: 6
Long Speed: 6
Contact Balance: 7.3
Pass Blocking: 6
Break/Avoid Tackles: 7.3
Durability: 6
Receiving Ability: 6
Quickness: 5.7
Ball Security: 6.7
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cam Skattebo has the entire country’s attention after his performances against Iowa State and Texas to end the season. He showed in those games that he can be a workhorse back and makes plays in dynamic ways. When you watch more games, you find more positives and some holes to his game. While focusing on the positive and what he can bring to the Vikings, they desperately need someone with his running style. Aaron Jones broke down, or slowed down, as the season went on. Skattebo got better as the season went on, and that type of player should excite Vikings fans.
Player Grade: 6.33
Projected Role: Will eventually be a plus starter