The 2025 NFL Draft brought plenty of surprises, but few picks stood out quite like the New York Giants' selection of Cam Skattebo in the fourth round. A name well-known to college football insiders, Skattebo’s unique skill set has already made headlines. Today, we dive into the significance of the Cam Skattebo 40 time, what it means for his future with the Giants, and how his speed (or lack thereof) shapes his NFL potential.

Why the Cam Skattebo 40 Time Matters

For running backs entering the NFL, the 40-yard dash remains a key metric scouts use to assess overall speed and explosiveness. While elite backs often post times in the 4.3–4.5 second range, Cam Skattebo's 40 time did not impress scouts in the same way. Yet, his performance on the field consistently told a different story.

Experts note that Skattebo’s draft profile closely mirrors that of David Montgomery. As highlighted on CBSSports.com, “Squatty, tremendous lateral elusiveness. Contact balance galore. Runs with spectacular vision between the tackles. Clearly lacks speed.” Despite a pedestrian 40 time, Skattebo ranked among the best for missed tackles forced and yards after contact, crucial assets for pro-level competition.

Giants' Draft Strategy: Value Beyond the Stopwatch

The Giants’ decision to select Cam Skattebo in Round 4 caught the attention of analysts league-wide. His 40-yard dash wasn’t elite, but the Giants recognized qualities that don’t appear on a stopwatch. According to the official Giants draft analysis, “He doesn't have elite speed, but he excels in many areas that translate well to the NFL. Skattebo ranked above the 85th percentile in PFF rushing grade in both gap and zone schemes in 2024.”

What sets Skattebo apart is his determined running style and versatility. He's a bruising runner with a knack for pass-catching, a rare mix for modern backs. While speedsters rely on their 40 time, Skattebo wins between the tackles with vision and toughness. This is reflected in his high marks from multiple analysts:

• CBS Sports: "Gritty yet athletic runner who will get more than what's blocked for him on a routine basis."
• Pro Football Focus: “Force[d] more than 100 missed tackles on the ground last season.”

Draft Grades and the Myth of Straight-Line Speed

NFL franchises have learned not to judge a running back solely by 40-yard dash performance. While Cam Skattebo’s 40 time may not turn heads, the Giants’ draft received overwhelmingly positive grades. Writers from outlets like Bleacher Report and CBS Sports praised New York for prioritizing football skills over pure track speed.

In fact, Skattebo’s combination of balance, power, and receiving ability is considered the “perfect complement” to the Giants’ current backfield. In-depth evaluations, such as those aggregated here, reinforce that measuring prospects by results, not just raw athletic testing, pays long-term dividends.

Cam Skattebo: Projected Role in the Giants’ Offense

With the departure of veteran backs and an evolving offensive scheme, Cam Skattebo is poised to carve out an immediate role. His lower 40-yard dash time won’t keep him off the field. Instead, look for Skattebo to handle early-down carries, grind out tough yards, and catch passes out of the backfield.

Fans and experts agree: While the Cam Skattebo 40 time isn’t what headlines his draft profile, his tangible on-field production puts him on a path for NFL success. Other backs have thrived with similar athletic profiles, and the Giants coaching staff appears eager to harness his potential.

For a full overview of draft day picks and where Skattebo landed, check out this comprehensive 2025 NFL Draft tracker for rounds four through seven.

Conclusion: Beyond the Numbers

The 40-yard dash remains an important, but not defining, metric for NFL running backs. Cam Skattebo’s 40 time may have raised questions, but his toughness, versatility, and vision answered them emphatically. The Giants saw through the numbers, making a pick applauded by analysts and fans alike.

As the 2025 season approaches, keep an eye on how Skattebo’s unique style—and not just his stopwatch speed—drives impact in New York.