4 hours ago … Titans head coach Robert Saleh said Cam Skattebo was nearly drafted by the 49ers before the Giants got him in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ah, the NFL Draft. It’s that magical time of year when teams gather around, clutching their draft boards like they’re holding onto their last slice of pizza at a party. And just like that pizza, sometimes the best picks get snatched away right before your eyes. Enter Cam Skattebo, the New York Giants’ running back who nearly became a San Francisco 49er, according to Jets coach Robert Saleh.
So here’s the scoop: Saleh revealed that Kyle Shanahan, then the head coach of the 49ers, had his eyes set on Skattebo during the 2025 NFL Draft. Picture it: Shanahan, sitting there with a glint of excitement in his eye, ready to welcome Skattebo into the 49ers family. But alas, fate had other plans. The Giants, in their infinite wisdom (or perhaps just a stroke of luck), swooped in and snagged him one pick before the 49ers could make their move. Talk about a last-minute plot twist!
Now, instead of Skattebo donning the red and gold, the 49ers ended up drafting C.J. West. No offense to West, but let’s be honest: he’s not Skattebo. I mean, who wouldn’t want a player with a name that sounds like he could star in his own action movie? “Cam Skattebo: Running Back of Fury!” It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?
But let’s take a step back. Why were the 49ers so keen on Skattebo in the first place? Well, he had a pretty stellar college career, showcasing his speed and agility that could make a cheetah jealous. The man can run! He’s like the Flash, but with a football. And with the 49ers needing some fresh legs in the backfield, it’s easy to see why Shanahan had his sights set on him.
And then, boom! The Giants made their pick, and just like that, the 49ers’ dreams of adding a potential star to their roster were dashed. It’s like planning a surprise party for your best friend only to find out they’ve already seen the cake and the balloons.
So, what does this mean for the 49ers? They had to pivot and bring in West, who, let’s hope, doesn’t end up being the draft-day equivalent of the last kid picked for dodgeball. The team’s fans will just have to wait and see if this decision pays off or if they’ll be reminiscing about what could have been.
In the end, this draft drama serves as a reminder that the NFL is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. One moment you’re dreaming of a new star, and the next moment, you’re left wondering how you ended up with a backup plan. So here’s to Cam Skattebo and the 49ers—may their paths cross again, preferably on the same team, where they can dominate the field together.
Until then, let’s just hope Shanahan has a better luck next time around. After all, the draft is just around the corner, and who knows what surprises await? Maybe next year, they’ll finally snag that elusive slice of pizza they’ve been eyeing for so long.
Inspired by: “49ers Wanted to Draft Cam Skattebo Says Robert Saleh” (r/Sport)