What are draft analysts saying about Kansas State running back DJ Giddens, whom the Indianapolis Colts selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft?
At the NFL combine, GM Chris Ballard made it known that he wanted to see more production from the backup running back role this season.
Well, Giddens had plenty of that in college, totaling over 1,200 rushing yards in 2023 and going over 1,300 rushing yards in 2024. He also averaged a whopping 6.5 yards per rush, per PFF.
As Stephen Holder of ESPN would note, 37% of Giddens’ rushes last season came off zone reads, which we see a lot of with the Colts.
Giddens does have pass-catching experience, and that is an area where the Colts could use a boost out of the backfield. However, he will have to continue to improve in pass protection to get on the field during those passing situations.
Colts NFL draft pick: Scouting reports on Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
NFL.com
Lance Zierlein: “A productive runner with good size, Giddens lacks explosive elements in his game. He defies expectations as a big back who doesn’t run with heavy power. He’s a long-strider with wiggle between the tackles. He’s patient behind his blocks and quickly processes run-lane development. He’s not sudden and lacks the burst to outflank defenses, so running behind his pads and picking up the tough yardage inside might have to be his ticket into a rotation.”
The Draft Network
Daniel Harms: “Giddens is a scheme-versatile, savvy runner with the tools to carve out a nice role on early downs in a committee backfield. If he wants to be more than that, working on his third-down capabilities will unlock a more impactful role in the NFL.”
33rd Team
Kyle Crabbs: “Giddens should be considered an intriguing developmental talent. His late start in football explains why he’s generally rough around the edges, but this is not a position that is typically given a ton of grace to grow and develop on a 53-man roster. Ideally, he’s placed in a gap scheme as a bigger presence in the rotation, but he will need to earn NFL carries by illustrating continued growth and consistency.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Scouting reports on Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
What are draft analysts saying about Kansas State running back DJ Giddens, whom the Indianapolis Colts selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft?
At the NFL combine, GM Chris Ballard made it known that he wanted to see more production from the backup running back role this season.
Well, Giddens had plenty of that in college, totaling over 1,200 rushing yards in 2023 and going over 1,300 rushing yards in 2024. He also averaged a whopping 6.5 yards per rush, per PFF.
As Stephen Holder of ESPN would note, 37% of Giddens’ rushes last season came off zone reads, which we see a lot of with the Colts.
Giddens does have pass-catching experience, and that is an area where the Colts could use a boost out of the backfield. However, he will have to continue to improve in pass protection to get on the field during those passing situations.
Colts NFL draft pick: Scouting reports on Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
NFL.com
Lance Zierlein: “A productive runner with good size, Giddens lacks explosive elements in his game. He defies expectations as a big back who doesn’t run with heavy power. He’s a long-strider with wiggle between the tackles. He’s patient behind his blocks and quickly processes run-lane development. He’s not sudden and lacks the burst to outflank defenses, so running behind his pads and picking up the tough yardage inside might have to be his ticket into a rotation.”
The Draft Network
Daniel Harms: “Giddens is a scheme-versatile, savvy runner with the tools to carve out a nice role on early downs in a committee backfield. If he wants to be more than that, working on his third-down capabilities will unlock a more impactful role in the NFL.”
33rd Team
Kyle Crabbs: “Giddens should be considered an intriguing developmental talent. His late start in football explains why he’s generally rough around the edges, but this is not a position that is typically given a ton of grace to grow and develop on a 53-man roster. Ideally, he’s placed in a gap scheme as a bigger presence in the rotation, but he will need to earn NFL carries by illustrating continued growth and consistency.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Scouting reports on Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
