Prospect-to-player comparisons always come with a risk. And this will be in full throttle and won’t stop until the 24th of April; bold takes are inevitable. It’s a season where every analyst becomes a crystal ball reader, and every prospect gets boxed into a comp—fair or not. But even in a landscape where wild comparisons are the norm. ESPN may have set the bar a bit too high—or too sideways. With their latest take on Arizona State Sun Devils’ Cam Skattebo.
Cam Skattebo is a gritty, compact running back at 5-foot-9 and 219 pounds. He has been a wrecking ball of production during his college tenure. The Rio Linda, California, native bulldozed his way to 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries in 2024 for ASU. And yet, despite the gaudy numbers and a well-earned reputation as a playoff hero at Arizona State, his pre-draft profile hasn’t been all sunshine and confetti. Scouts remain skeptical about whether Skattebo has the athleticism and top-end speed to make a consistent impact at the next level.
Those doubts were reflected in his testing numbers. Cam Skattebo posted a respectable 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad jump. Displaying the kind of explosiveness that can’t be faked. But his 4.65-second 40-yard dash time at Pro Day raised eyebrows in all the wrong ways. That’s a tough number in an era where speed sells, especially at a position as competitive as running back. Still, Skattebo is firmly on the NFL radar. With teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks reportedly intrigued by his rugged style and production-first profile.
Yet, despite being projected as a fourth- or fifth-round selection. Possibly Day 3 steal territory—Skattebo found himself front and center of an ESPN segment comparing him to none other than Alvin Kamara. Yes, that Alvin Kamara. The same Alvin Kamara who just inked a $24.5 million extension with the New Orleans Saints and has been their do-it-all star since 2017. Kamara, with his vision, burst, elite receiving skills, and ability to make defenders disappear in a phone booth, is entirely in a different tier of backs. Needless to say, the ESPN comp didn’t land as intended.
In fact, The Athletic’s draft guru Nick Baumgardner recently called him “unique,” hinting that Pittsburgh might be a sneaky good fit. “Skattebo, the Arizona State playoff hero, is unique,” Baumgardner told team insider Mike DeFabo. Translation: He doesn’t move like a blazer, but there’s something about the way he plays that demands a second look. And with Mo-Allie Cox potentially out in Indy and other teams scouring the board for mid-round gems, Skattebo’s name is one that keeps bubbling up.
The reaction was swift, merciless, and loud.
“Don’t Ever Disrespect Alvin Kamara Like That Again”
One user, echoing the collective sentiment of Saints Nation, delivered the gut punch: “Don’t ever disrespect Kamara like that again.” And honestly? It’s hard to disagree. Kamara’s résumé speaks for itself—a dynamic dual-threat with Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl resume in his sights. Comparing him to a prospect like Skattebo. Still trying to prove he belongs in the top 150 picks is like comparing a Swiss watch to a stopwatch. The intangibles don’t match.
Another comment simply read, “Skattebo is not AK lol… apparently speed doesn’t factor in.” It’s a pointed jab, but a valid one. Kamara has always been a weapon because of his fluidity in space and acceleration through the second level. Areas where Skattebo’s tape doesn’t exactly dazzle. While Cam Skattebo brings a bruiser mentality and north-south physicality, he lacks the slipperiness that defines Kamara’s style. And yes, the 4.65 speed is hard to ignore in that conversation.
Then came the sarcastic slaps: “Cam plays like Alvin Kamara? they just be posting shi” and “How is Skattebo ANYTHING like Kamara who does these comparisons.” There’s frustration in those words, not just from Saints fans but from football followers who crave thoughtful, accurate evaluations. It’s the kind of take that suggests headline-chasing rather than real film work.
And perhaps the most creative comment of them all: “Skat boy compared to Kamara is insane lol more like Danny Woodhead.” That’s not even a diss—if anything. It might be the most accurate comp of the bunch. Woodhead, a former undrafted free agent, carved out a successful career as a change-of-pace back with great hands and excellent football IQ. Skattebo may have more bulk, but in terms of usage and ceiling, that’s a more believable comp than Kamara.
The post Calls Mount Against ESPN as Cam Skattebo Damage Control Triggers Football Community Over $24.5M NFL Star’s ‘Disrespect’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.