March 20, 2025, 08:19 PM PDT – In a surprising twist as the NFL offseason heats up, the Dallas Cowboys’ search for a game-changing running back has taken an unexpected turn. Sources close to the team reveal that Arizona State standout Cam Skattebo has suddenly emerged on the Cowboys’ radar, shaking up draft projections and sparking buzz about a potential mid-round steal for America’s Team. With the 2025 NFL Draft just over a month away, this development could signal a bold shift in Dallas’ backfield strategy—and a chance to pair Skattebo’s bruising style with their high-octane offense.

A New Name in the Mix

For months, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty—a Frisco, Texas, native and Heisman runner-up—dominated Cowboys draft chatter, pegged as a first-round lock to address the team’s glaring need at running back. Rico Dowdle’s 2024 breakout (1,047 yards, 4.8 YPC) offered hope, but with Ezekiel Elliott released and Deuce Vaughn unproven as more than a gadget player, Dallas has kept its options open. Now, Yardbarker reports that Skattebo, a 5’11”, 215-pound dynamo who torched defenses en route to a fifth-place Heisman finish, has caught the Cowboys’ eye as a potential Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.

“Cowboys RB Radar Suddenly Includes Cam Skattebo,” Yardbarker’s Jonathan Adams wrote on March 16. “Months ago, Jeanty was the trendy connection, but Skattebo’s rising stock and versatile skillset could make him a steal later in the draft.” The shift comes as Dallas, holding the No. 12 overall pick, weighs whether to spend premium capital on a back or address other needs—like offensive line or linebacker—before targeting Skattebo in rounds three or four.

Skattebo’s Meteoric Rise

Skattebo’s 2024 season at Arizona State was nothing short of legendary. The former FCS transfer from Sacramento State exploded for 1,711 rushing yards (5.8 YPC), 605 receiving yards, and 25 total touchdowns, powering the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal run. His Peach Bowl heroics against Texas—143 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards, two TDs, and a 42-yard TD pass—cemented his status as a clutch performer, even in a 39-31 double-overtime loss.

“He’s a wrecking ball,” Athlon Sports’ Scott Salomon noted. “Skattebo’s compact build, elite contact balance, and surprising agility make him a nightmare to tackle.” With 2,316 scrimmage yards, he trailed only Jeanty nationally, earning Big 12 Championship MVP honors and comparisons to NFL bruisers like Tyler Allgeier and James Conner. His tape screams versatility—catching passes, throwing trick-play TDs, and bulldozing defenders—qualities that could thrive in Dallas’ play-action-heavy scheme under Dak Prescott.

Why Dallas?

The Cowboys’ backfield has been a revolving door since Elliott’s prime. Dowdle’s emergence was a bright spot, but his free agency looms, and backups like Dalvin Cook and Hunter Luepke failed to inspire confidence in 2024’s 7-10 campaign. Skattebo offers a younger, more dynamic option—his 6.9 yards per play from scrimmage outpaces even Mark Ingram’s 2009 Heisman season—and his punishing style could complement Prescott’s $240 million arm and CeeDee Lamb’s $136 million hands.

“Skattebo’s a perfect fit,” Blogging The Boys argued in a March 1 scouting report. “Dallas wants to stay run-heavy under Brian Schottenheimer, and Cam’s downhill burst and receiving chops could anchor the offense.” At a projected third- or fourth-round cost—Pro Football Network mocks him to the Cardinals at No. 119—Dallas could snag him without burning their first-rounder, currently eyed for talents like Missouri WR Luther Burden III or Michigan DT Mason Graham.

Risks and Rewards

Skattebo’s not without question marks. His 4.62 40-yard dash (projected, as he skipped it at the Combine due to a hamstring tweak) and 1,130 college carries raise durability concerns, though his 39.5-inch vertical and 123-inch broad jump at Indy showcased explosiveness. “Speed’s not elite, but he plays faster than he tests,” ESPN’s Matt Miller said on March 7. “His tape against Texas—a top defense—shows all you need.” A recent lawsuit from a former teammate over a 2023 practice injury adds off-field noise, but it’s unlikely to derail his stock.

For Dallas, the reward outweighs the risk. A mid-round Skattebo pick could pair with Dowdle (if re-signed) or a veteran like Aaron Jones, creating a committee that maximizes flexibility. “If they hit on him, it’s a steal,” Dallas Morning News’ Kevin Sherrington wrote on January 6. “He’d give the Cowboys an edge—probably why he’ll end up a Steeler.”

Fan Frenzy and Next Steps

Cowboys Nation is split on X. “Skattebo over Jeanty? Sign me up—tough as nails!” one fan posted. Another countered, “Why waste a pick when we need O-line? Dowdle’s fine.” Pittsburgh and Arizona loom as draft rivals—both met Skattebo at the Combine—but Dallas’ $28 million cap space and No. 79 overall pick (third round) position them well.

With the draft set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, the Cowboys’ front office has weeks to decide: splurge early on Jeanty or bank on Skattebo’s grit later. For now, his sudden radar blip has fans dreaming of a blue-starred battering ram—and a backfield reboot that could propel Dallas back to contention.