Turns out the San Francisco 49ers had their eyes on a different running back last year, a guy who’s now absolutely tearing it up for the New York Giants. Former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh just dropped the bombshell this week: head coach Kyle Shanahan “loved” Cam Skattebo, and the 49ers were ready to snag him at No. 113 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. But the Giants swooped in at No. 105, snatching him away right before the 49ers’ pick. Ouch. Talk about a brutal draft day miss.
The One That Got Away: Saleh Spills The Beans
Saleh didn’t just confirm the interest, he painted a picture of what Shanahan saw in Skattebo. “He’s like the old school, 2010s man hit-stick,” Saleh said, describing a runner who loves to “lower your shoulder, run people over, plays his ass off, lots of energy.” He even added, “We actually were about to draft him in San Francisco [last year]. Kyle loved him, and he ended up getting taken right before we were picking.” That’s a direct quote, folks! Imagine being that close to landing a guy your coach “loved” and then watching him go just eight picks earlier. The 49ers ended up with C.J. West at No. 113, who Saleh called “a pretty damn good player too,” but couldn’t help but add that Skattebo is “a sparkplug.” You gotta wonder what could’ve been.
Skattebo’s Rise And The 49ers’ RB Room Question Marks
What makes this even more painful for the 49ers? Skattebo isn’t just a “sparkplug,” he’s the Giants’ starting running back. Last year, before a season-ending injury, he rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns, plus caught 24 passes for 207 yards in just eight games. This season, he’s already racked up 117 rushing yards and one touchdown in two games. The guy’s a hard-nosed runner with a high motor and can catch the ball. Meanwhile, the 49ers have drafted running backs five times in six years. Only two are currently on their active roster: Kaelon Black, a controversial third-round pick this year who’s off to a fast start, and 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James. James, who was their latest RB selection, missed most of his rookie season with a finger injury and has only played four games in the NFL, carrying the ball four times for 15 yards. That’s a huge contrast in production and impact right there.
The 49ers definitely picked up some good players around that 2025 draft spot, taking Upton Stout at No. 100 and then C.J. West at No. 113 after Skattebo was gone. But when you hear Saleh talk about how much Shanahan wanted Skattebo, and then you see Skattebo’s immediate impact with the Giants, it’s gotta sting a bit. You know Shanahan’s staff is always looking for those playmakers, and it looks like one slipped right through their fingers.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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