2025 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo to Dallas Cowboys

The 2025 NFL Draft will be an exciting event, filled with rising stars, hidden gems, and top-tier talent ready to make an immediate impact. While it’s still early in the college football season, NFL teams are already looking ahead, trying to build their rosters for the future. For the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has consistently contended in recent years, finding the right players to solidify their roster and enhance their Super Bowl hopes is crucial. One intriguing prospect who could make a significant difference for Dallas is Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo.

A Glimpse of Cam Skattebo’s Journey

Cam Skattebo may not yet have the national recognition of some of the other top prospects in the 2025 draft, but his unique skill set has been turning heads. Skattebo hails from Arizona State University, where he has been putting together a standout career as the Sun Devils’ feature back. His combination of size, speed, vision, and versatility has made him one of the most exciting running back prospects in the nation. In many ways, he represents the new wave of running backs who are expected to not only run the football effectively but also be multifaceted weapons in the passing game.

Cam Skattebo’s Strengths

1. Size and Physicality:
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 220 pounds, Skattebo has the ideal frame for an NFL running back. His size allows him to break tackles in the open field and power through defenders. He isn’t just a bruiser, though. He combines his physicality with surprising speed and agility, making him tough for defenders to square up. His powerful lower body makes him extremely difficult to bring down, and he has excellent vision to help him navigate through traffic.

2. Speed and Burst:
Skattebo’s speed is a standout trait that sets him apart from many of his peers. Despite his impressive size, he has a second gear that allows him to separate from defenders on long runs. His burst through the hole is explosive, and once he hits the open field, he’s a threat to take it the distance. This combination of size and speed could make him a nightmare for defenders at the next level.

3. Pass-Catching Ability:
What really makes Skattebo a potential mismatch in the NFL is his ability to contribute in the passing game. While many running backs are limited to catching short passes or screens, Skattebo has developed into a reliable target out of the backfield. His soft hands and awareness as a receiver make him a threat as both a runner and a pass catcher, a skill set that the Cowboys could use to complement their existing weapons.

4. Vision and Patience:
Skattebo is an incredibly patient runner who understands how to read blocks and find running lanes. His vision is one of his most refined attributes, allowing him to wait for holes to develop and attack them with precision. He doesn’t rush his decisions and is often able to maximize the yardage on a play by taking what the defense gives him, waiting for the right moment to strike.

5. Durability:
Over his time at Arizona State, Skattebo has shown durability and toughness, managing to stay relatively injury-free despite carrying a heavy workload. In today’s NFL, durability is key for running backs, and Skattebo’s ability to withstand contact and keep performing at a high level is a critical factor that makes him an appealing prospect for any team.

Why the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most balanced rosters in the NFL, and the 2025 draft is their chance to add the final pieces to help them compete for a Super Bowl title. With star players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ offense is dynamic, but there is room for improvement at the running back position. Currently, the Cowboys have Tony Pollard, a capable and explosive back, but he is not the type of player who can carry the load as a true workhorse back. Adding a versatile, powerful runner like Skattebo would complement Pollard’s speed and explosiveness, giving Dallas a dangerous one-two punch in the backfield.

The Cowboys have been known for their powerful offensive lines, and they often use their running game to wear down opponents and control the clock. Skattebo would fit seamlessly into this style of play, offering the type of physicality and balance that could take the offense to the next level. With a powerful running back who can grind out tough yards and serve as a dual-threat in the passing game, the Cowboys would have another weapon to complement their already potent offense.

Moreover, Dallas has often relied on its passing game to win games, but the ability to run the ball efficiently opens up more opportunities for play-action passes and keeps the defense guessing. With Skattebo, the Cowboys could get back to a balanced offensive attack, making their offense even more difficult to defend.

Skattebo’s Fit with Dallas’ Scheme

Head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer are known for using a balanced offensive approach, relying on both the run and the pass to move the ball down the field. They have the personnel in place, with Prescott and Lamb leading the way in the passing game. However, the team could benefit from adding a power back who can complement Pollard, particularly in short-yardage situations and late-game scenarios where running the clock down is key.

Skattebo’s blend of size, speed, and versatility makes him an ideal fit for McCarthy’s offensive system. The Cowboys like to feature backs who can run between the tackles, but they also love to mix in plays designed for backs to leak out into the flat, catch passes, and make plays in space. Skattebo’s ability to contribute both as a traditional runner and as a pass-catcher would make him an invaluable asset in this offense.

Additionally, the Cowboys’ offensive line has been a consistent strength in recent years. With such a solid front five, Skattebo would have plenty of room to operate, and he could take advantage of the holes created by the line’s strong run-blocking. This would allow him to showcase his vision and burst while maximizing his yards per carry.

Skattebo’s Potential Impact on the Cowboys’ Roster

By selecting Skattebo in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys would be adding a highly versatile and impactful player to their roster. Not only would Skattebo help improve the running game, but he could also provide a significant boost to the passing attack. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would give Dak Prescott yet another reliable weapon to distribute the ball to, which could create mismatches for opposing defenses. Whether it’s a screen pass, a wheel route, or a check-down, Skattebo’s presence would force opposing defenses to account for him in every aspect of the game.

Furthermore, Skattebo could provide Pollard with some much-needed relief as the team’s second option in the backfield. While Pollard has shown he can handle a large workload, splitting carries with Skattebo would help keep both players fresh over the course of a 17-game season. This would reduce the risk of injury and ensure that the Cowboys have two reliable running backs they can rely on during the playoffs and beyond.

Skattebo’s ability to break tackles and extend runs would also fit well with the Cowboys’ tendency to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. His physical style of play would allow Dallas to play the type of ball-control offense that has historically been successful in their system. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him a valuable weapon in passing situations, something the Cowboys could use to exploit mismatches with linebackers and safeties in coverage.

Final Thoughts: Cam Skattebo to the Dallas Cowboys

Cam Skattebo may not be the most talked-about prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he has all the traits that the Dallas Cowboys would covet in a running back. With his unique combination of size, speed, vision, and pass-catching ability, Skattebo would add an exciting dimension to an already talented roster. By selecting Skattebo, the Cowboys would strengthen their running game, provide Dak Prescott with another weapon in the passing game, and give themselves the flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways.

In a league where having a versatile, dynamic running back is more important than ever, Skattebo is exactly the type of player the Cowboys need to keep pace with the NFL’s elite teams. If he falls into their lap in the 2025 draft, Dallas could have a future star on their hands who will contribute immediately and help them take their offense to the next level.