Saleh Reveals 49ers Nearly Drafted Giants' Cam Skattebo

Saleh Reveals 49ers Nearly Drafted Giants' Cam Skattebo

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh said this week that the San Francisco 49ers were on the verge of drafting running back Cam Skattebo in 2025 before the New York Giants selected him first. Saleh, who served as San Francisco's defensive coordinator at the time, made the disclosure while previewing Tennessee's upcoming game against New York.

"I know going into the [2025 NFL] Draft, we were actually about to draft him in San Francisco," Saleh told reporters. "Kyle [Shanahan] loved him, and he ended up getting taken right before we were picking. I think we ended up with C.J. West, who was a pretty good player too." The Giants selected Skattebo with the No. 105 overall pick in that draft. bet on caf champions league

Skattebo, out of Arizona State, has quickly become a fan favorite in New York for his physical running style and energetic demeanor, fitting the identity head coach John Harbaugh has emphasized for the roster. He missed most of his rookie season after suffering a serious ankle injury, appearing in just eight games in 2025. He returned in Week 1 of this season and rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Dallas Cowboys, part of a stretch in which he has totaled 527 yards and six touchdowns on the ground through his first 10 career games.

Had San Francisco landed him instead, Skattebo would have joined a backfield already led by All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Saleh's comments underscore Shanahan's long-standing reputation as one of the league's most respected evaluators of running back talent. For now, Skattebo remains a building block in New York's backfield as the Giants prepare to face Saleh's Titans.