On March 15, Pro Football Network analyst Jacob Infante predicted that the rookie the Steelers select could be Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo. Infante made this pick in a seven-round mock draft for PFN, reasoning that, “After the departure of Najee Harris, the Steelers could use a new power back to pair with Jaylen Warren. Cam Skattebo is a strong, determined runner with good vision who fights for every yard.”
Interestingly, Infante selected Skattebo at No. 83 overall, just after potential quarterback target Jalen Milroe was picked.
Skattebo has earned a unique reputation, with NFL Draft Buzz calling him “a back who forces NFL evaluators to throw traditional metrics out the window.” Describing him as a former Sacramento State player who became a Heisman finalist, the outlet highlighted Skattebo’s ability to outperform his athletic testing numbers through instincts and determination.
NFL Network draft expert Lance Zierlein also praised Skattebo, dubbing him a “Carnage creator” with “elite contact balance.” Zierlein noted Skattebo’s ability to break through second-level tacklers and extend runs, as well as his quickness in reading blocks. However, he also pointed out that Skattebo lacks top-end speed and will need to adapt to facing better tacklers in the NFL.
Despite some concerns about his speed, Zierlein praised Skattebo’s skills as a receiver and his physicality, suggesting he could be a valuable complementary back with three-down potential.
The Steelers’ running back room may still undergo changes, with Mike DeFabo of The Athletic suggesting that Pittsburgh could still add a ball carrier in the draft. He pointed out that while Najee Harris has left for the Chargers, Jaylen Warren remains under contract for the next season, and Kenneth Gainwell has signed a one-year deal. However, DeFabo noted that the Steelers are still in the market for a running back and could be looking at players who might go in the first or second round.
DeFabo also listed several running backs from the top 100 prospects, though Skattebo did not appear in that group, with Infante projecting him to go in the third round.
