Ex-49ers coach reveals team nearly drafted standout RB Cam Skattebo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 1:30 PM
Last updated Sep 24, 2026

Robert Saleh, former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, disclosed that the team was close to drafting running back Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The New York Giants selected Skattebo with the 105th overall pick, just ahead of San Francisco's turn. Skattebo impressed in his rookie season, recording 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns before an ankle injury cut it short. The 49ers ultimately selected defensive tackle C.J. West instead, while they also drafted running back Jordan James later. In 2026, San Francisco picked up running back Kaelon Black, who is now second on the depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey.
- •Saleh confirmed 49ers targeted Cam Skattebo in 2025 draft.
- •Giants drafted Skattebo just before 49ers' pick.
- •Skattebo recorded 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns as a rookie.
- •49ers selected C.J. West instead of Skattebo.
- •San Francisco later drafted Kaelon Black to support McCaffrey.
- 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-49ers coach reveals team almost took breakout rookie RB in 2025
"The 49ers were just a few picks away from pairing one of the best picks of the 2025 draft with Christian McCaffrey.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 24, 2026, 2:52 PMPuka Nacua 'not making great progress,' according to Rams coach Sean McVay
NFL•Sep 24, 2026, 2:48 PMDolphins $45 Million Starter Put on Notice: “Has Been Abysmal”- NFL•Sep 24, 2026, 2:20 PMRams get bad news on Puka Nacua as NFL insider would be 'surprised' if he plays
NFL•Sep 24, 2026, 2:15 PM49ers Get Concerning Injury News Ahead of Cardinals Game
NFL•Sep 24, 2026, 1:42 PMJaxson Dart injury: Giants must not let Jameis Winston sabotage season
NFL•Sep 24, 2026, 1:40 PMNo JJ McCarthy Trade Talks for Vikings and Giants
