Robert Saleh Reveals 49ers Nearly Drafted Cam Skattebo in 2025
The Jets coach shared that San Francisco was 'about to draft him' before the Giants selected the running back.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh disclosed that the San Francisco 49ers were close to selecting running back Cam Skattebo in the 2025 NFL Draft. Saleh, who was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers at the time, told reporters that the team was eight picks away from taking Skattebo before he was chosen by the New York Giants.
"I know coming into the draft we were actually about to draft him in San Francisco. Kyle [Shanahan] loved him," Saleh said. "He ended up getting taken right before we were picking, and I think we ended up with CJ West, who’s a pretty damn good player too."
Skattebo was ultimately selected by the Giants with the 105th overall pick, while the 49ers used the 113th pick to select West for their defensive line.
Saleh described Skattebo as a "spark plug" for the Giants' offense, noting his physical running style. "He's like the old school Madden 2010 hit stick: lower your shoulder, run people over," Saleh added. "Plays his a— off, lots of energy."
In his rookie season, Skattebo appeared in eight games, rushing for 410 yards and five touchdowns. His season was cut short by a leg injury in Week 8. Through the first two games of his second NFL season, Skattebo has already gained 117 rushing yards and scored one touchdown, contributing to six first downs.