NFL Draft intel: What scout said about Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo may surprise you

“Not sure what he’s gonna run, nor do I care,” an NFL scout told Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz during Skattebo’s impressive performance. “You can’t bring the dude down. That’s a skill that translates to the pro level.”

Per the Associated Press, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Skattebo was “as advertised.”

“He got stronger, it felt like. You could see he was fatigued, too. It was like a heavyweight fight. He made some really critical plays.”

Per Pro Football Focus, Skattebo ranks second in the FBS in missed tackles forced (102 in 13 games) behind Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (151 in 14 games). 

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes Skattebo probably won’t be a feature back but could still be a reliable playmaker. 

“His run style won’t be a fit for every scheme or role, but he can be a valuable part of NFL backfield committee, especially given his versatility as a pass-catcher,” wrote Brugler Wednesday.  

In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Minnesota Vikings (14-2) take Skattebo (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) with pick No. 97, a compensatory pick, in the third round. 

Will Penn State QB Drew Allar change his mind and enter 2025 NFL Draft?

Allar recently announced he will return to Penn State, but Brugler suggested he may reconsider.

“There are several NFL GMs who believe Allar could enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a strong playoff run,” wrote Burgler while watching Penn State dismantle Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl. “Teams are still heavily scouting him for the 2025 class.” 

Allar’s size (6-foot-5, 238 pounds) may attract NFL teams. However, it’s apparent he still has room to improve. 

In his first two CFP games, he has completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns. Perhaps staying in school for one more season would benefit the junior. 

Expert has lofty comparison for Penn State TE Tyler Warren 

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Matt Miller listed Warren as one of 12 prospects with a first-round grade and compared him to former New England Patriots/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski earned four first-team All-Pro nods in 11 seasons.

“I typically don’t compare prospects to NFL Hall of Famers, but since Gronk isn’t in the Hall yet, I’m making an exception because Warren is that rare and that good,” wrote Miller.

In 15 games, Warren (6-foot-6, 257 pounds) has a career-high 98 receptions for 1,158 yards and eight touchdown catches. If he aces the predraft process, he should be a first-rounder. 

In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has the Los Angeles Rams (10-6) taking him with pick No. 23.

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders’ weakness may scare some scouts

In a 36-14 loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl this past Saturday, Sanders completed 16-of-23 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also tossed two interceptions and was sacked four times. 

Sanders’ poor showing highlighted concerns about his pocket instincts. On a Tuesday episode of his podcast, The Ringer’s Todd McShay said a Super Bowl-winning QB texted him, “[That] will stunt his growth big time.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Sanders’ average time to throw (three seconds) is tied for 131st among 150 eligible QBs (min. 327 dropbacks). That’s one reason he was sacked 42 times in 13 games.

Still, expect Sanders (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) to be a high pick in a weak QB class. In his latest mock draft, The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino has the Cleveland Browns (3-13) selecting him with pick No. 3.

Ohio State edge-rusher Jack Sawyer may be a late riser after Rose Bowl 

In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Buffalo Bills (13-3) took Sawyer with pick No. 62. His stock should skyrocket after he dominated against Oregon in the CFP quarterfinal.

In the 41-21 blowout, Sawyer (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) finished with season highs in sacks (two) and passes defended (three). 

“Jack Sawyer continues to make a case for being a first-round prospect as one of the most consistent edges in the country,” wrote The 33rd Team’s Tyler Brooke in a piece published Thursday. “He’s a powerful 260-pound edge who can dominate at the point of attack and looks like a three-down player who can rush the passer and stop the run with consistency.” 

PFF credited Sawyer with 54 pressures in 14 games, 13th in the FBS. He could continue to be disruptive against Texas in the CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.