The Indianapolis Colts selected DJ Giddens in the fifth round (151st overall pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Could the former Kansas State running back become a steal?
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard nailed this year‘s draft. Besides Giddens, he drafted Tyler Warren, J.T. Tuimoloau, Justin Wally, Jalen Travis, Riley Leonard, Tim Smith, and Hunter Wohler.
Warren is undoubtedly the highlight of Indy’s 2025 draft class. Last season at Penn State, he caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. The Colts certainly needed a play-making tight end, and that’s exactly what Warren is.
A backup running back wasn’t as big of a need as a tight end. Yet, the Colts still needed Giddens, who’ll provide depth.
DJ Giddens Could Become a Steal for the Indianapolis Colts
His Career Thus Far
Giddens committed to play at Kansas State University after rushing for 1,912 yards and 34 touchdowns at Junction City High School in Junction City, Kansas. During his freshman year at Kansas State, Giddens backed up current Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn. He played in all 14 games that season, rushing for 518 yards and six touchdowns.
Giddens broke out the next year, finishing with 1,226 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns. His sophomore season was highlighted by 207 rushing yards and a four-touchdown effort against UCF. He also had eight receptions for 86 yards in that game.
Giddens was at his best this past in 2024. He amassed 1,601 yards of total offense and found the end zone on seven occasions. Giddens averaged 6.55 yards per carry, which surpassed Darren Sproles for the school record. In addition, he was named to the All-Big 12 second team and was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award.
Without a doubt, Giddens is one of the best running backs ever to wear a Kansas State football jersey. He is the third-fastest player in school history to reach 1,000 rushing yards. Plus, his 3,087 career rushing yards are third behind Sproles and Vaughn.
Backup for Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor is the most talented player on the Colts roster and one of the best running backs in the league. He led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18) back in 2021. That year, he was named a First-Team All-Pro and was the runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year.
Taylor was also great in 2024, making the second Pro Bowl of his career. However, he has struggled with injuries over the past few years. The Colts signed a quality running back this offseason in Khalil Herbert. But, they still needed another playmaker added to the running back room.
Giddens is that guy. He’s a smooth runner who showcases natural running instinct in the open field. He also has quick footwork and the ability to cause defenders to miss tackles.
If Taylor and Herbert can stay healthy, you likely won’t see much of Giddens in 2025. But due to injuries and poor play, Giddens could eventually emerge as a major contributor. He is immensely talented and possesses a lot of potential. It won’t be shocking if he later becomes a huge draft pick for Indianapolis down the road.
Main Photo: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
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