NFL.com’s Brooks: ASU’s Skattebo, Arizona’s Savaiinaea could rise in pre-draft process

Cam Skattebo did everything he could to help his NFL Draft stock by leading his Arizona State crew to a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth.

He cemented himself in a CFP quarterfinal against the Texas Longhorns’ highly rated defense by rushing for 143 yards, receiving for 99 more and throwing for 42 yards with three touchdowns combined. Can he still do more to boost his profile starting Thursday with the NFL Scouting Combine?

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks named Skattebo — and Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea — as someone with a chance of rising the most in the pre-draft process.

As a rugged runner with outstanding strength, power, balance and body control, Cam Skattebo is ideally suited to operate as a featured runner in a downhill system. Though he can add a dimension as a soft-handed pass catcher with underrated playmaking ability in space, the Arizona State standout is a throwback type built for the NFL’s running back renaissance. With a strong performance at the combine, he might convince a few play-callers he can fill a role as a primary back as a pro.

Skattebo piled up the second-most all-purpose yards (2,316) in the nation last year, finishing second to Boise State back Ashton Jeanty (2,750).

All that proved his head coach correct. Before a snap was played in 2024, Kenny Dillingham called Skattebo an NFL prospect.

“He’s a different person mentally in terms of how focused he is and how driven he is this year,” Dillingham told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Aug. 30. “That’s a guy, he had a great year last year but he didn’t even — I mean, he’s a different player.

“This Cam has the potential to play on Sundays. Last year’s Cam did not. That’s how drastic of a change he made, his decision he wanted to achieve being a Sunday player.”

Notably, Skattebo trimmed down and added speed. Dillingham said he topped 21 mph by ASU’s tracking methods.

And that potential to surprise in the events at the combine should change the perception of the back, who is listed at 215 pounds.

Skattebo is listed by ESPN as the No. 75 overall prospect, while PFF’s big board projects a much higher range of his draft stock at 46th.

Cam Skattebo’s draft range is similar to Arizona OL Jonah Savaiinaea

ESPN rates Wildcats offensive lineman Savaiinaea 45th, while PFF tabs him at 73rd. It’s a similar overall draft range for the Arizona product compared to ASU’s only combine participant.

With that, Brooks also sees room for the 339-pound Savaiinaea to shore up his stock with the combine.

Versatility is coveted at a premium in the NFL, and swing players with starting potential at multiple spots get pushed up the board. Jonah Savaiinaea is an experienced player with inside and outside capabilities. Though the 6-3, 339-pounder is built like a prototypical inside blocker, he has logged significant snaps at offensive tackle, making him a valuable commodity on game day. If Savaiinaea can flash enough athleticism to hold up as a fill-in right tackle, the top-50 prospect could further increase his value in the pre-draft process.

Savaiinaea will be joined by two Arizona teammates at the combine: receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a likely first-round pick, as well as kicker Tyler Loop.

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