Kyle Shanahan Reveals 49ers 'Loved' Cam Skattebo in 2025 NFL Draft, Eyed CMC Pairing

Before the New York Giants drafted him, the San Francisco 49ers were high on running back Cam Skattebo.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Wednesday that the Niners considered taking Skattebo and "loved him" during the NFL draft process.

Skattebo wasn't at the top of draft boards heading into the draft, but he had plenty of interest after rushing for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns along with 605 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air at Arizona State in 2024.

Ultimately, the Giants selected the fiery running back in the fourth round.

Skattebo has gotten off to a tremendous start in his rookie season, recording 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns, adding 207 receiving yards and a pair of receiving touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Skattebo's rookie season has come to an end after eight games. He suffered a gruesome ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, suffering a fractured leg and deltoid ligament rupture as well as a dislocated ankle. He reportedly has a recovery time of four to six months.

After getting a look at what Skattebo can do, it's safe to say a pairing of he and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey would have been dangerous.

McCaffrey, who spent most of the 2024 season injured, is off to a phenomenal start this year with 490 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also has the eighth-most receiving yards in the NFL with 559 to go along with his three touchdowns through the air.

Considering how he has started his career, a number of coaches are likely regretting not drafting Skattebo, and it seems like Shanahan is one of them. Skattebo will look to come back strong from his injury and continue proving he should've gone higher than the fourth round.