Quarterback may be the most important position in all of pro sports, but even the best quarterbacks can only do so much without a consistent running game. The LA Chargers were reminded of that in the NFL Playoffs.
The 2024 Chargers were at their best when J.K. Dobbins was firing on all cylinders in the running game. Unfortunately, the Chargers could not establish the run game at all against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round. As a result, the game slipped away fast from the Bolts in the second half.
Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman prioritize the trenches and may look to find the team's next bell-cow back in what is a loaded 2025 running back class. One of the most notable names in the class, Arizona State's Cam Skattebo, seemingly checks all the boxes of what Harbaugh would want in a running back.
He certainly sounds like a Harbaugh guy, too.
listen to this answer by Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo about his physicality and tell me he's not gonna be one of Jim Harbaugh's favorite players in this draft class: pic.twitter.com/Wp0go1WvlI
— alex katson 🇯🇵 (@alexkatson) February 28, 2025
Cam Skattebo sounds exactly like someone Jim Harbaugh would want on the Chargers
The violent running back made a name for himself in 2024 when Arizona State went on a run to win the Big 12 and reach the College Football Playoffs. Skattebo was a primary reason for the team's success as the engine of the offense.
Skattebo carried the ball 293 times for 1,711 yards with 21 touchdowns. He showcased his impact in the passing game as well, catching 45 passes for 605 yards and three touchdowns. It's not every day a running back averages 6.9 yards from scrimmage per touch with 24 combined touchdowns.
Skattebo has some similarities to Austin Ekeler with a sub-six-foot height and menacing build. Skattebo, though, is more physically dominant than Ekeler was, which fits right into what Harbaugh wants to build.
The only knock on Skattebo is his perceived athleticism, as he is not close to being the fastest back in this draft. Top-line speed doesn't mean everything, though, and shouldn't hinder Skattebo if he is used the right way in the NFL.
Skattebo projects to be taken in the second round with Pro Football Focus ranking him 50th among all prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. That puts him right in range for the Chargers with the 55th pick. Like Ladd McConkey, the Bolts may be too enamored by Skattebo's upside in the second round and could even move up to take him.
Potentially re-signing J.K. Dobbins also has no impact whatsoever on drafting Skattebo. In fact, there is a case to be made that the Chargers should deploy a rookie like Skattebo alongside Dobbins, making the less-effective Gus Edwards a cap casualty.
Regardless, Skattebo has all the makings of being a Jim Harbaugh guy and very well may hear his name called by the Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft.