The Colts select the freak athlete back out of Kansas State in Round 5, but what do analysts from around the NFL think of the newest Colts back?
DJ Giddens, a 6’0 and 212 lbs. back out of Kansas State, dominated last year on his way to be a Doak Walker semifinalist by breaking the school record for most Yards per Carry (6.55, 8th this year in the FBS, beating Darren Sproles’ school record of 6.49) and recording 1,343 rushing yards and 7 TDs on the ground in 12 games.
Joe DeLeone of AtoZ Sports reacted with highlights of DJ Giddens, giving fans a taste of how he accumulated his impressive stats.
DJ Giddens and Jonathan Taylor on the Colts is nuts pic.twitter.com/TIOx4zkA2E
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) April 26, 2025
Local Kansas reporter Andrew Lind of WIBW was on location at Junction City, Kansas, where DJ Giddens held a draft party in his hometown filled with friends, family, High School and College teammates, coaches all excited for DJ to be drafted. He interview teammates and coaches who gave insight into what kind of personality and person DJ Giddens through his journey from a former 0 star recruit to an NFL back, as well as provided video of Giddens being drafted.
Headed back to JC in the morning for NFL Draft Rounds 4-7.
DJ Giddens’ agency tells me they were hearing Rounds 3-5.
Mood at the draft party stayed even keel start to finish.
K-State RB @CoachAnderson15 says the reason he coaches is “for guys like DJ.” @WIBWsports https://t.co/xYKYmwdUO3 pic.twitter.com/ouno0KLJMa
— Andrew Lind (@WIBWAndrew) April 26, 2025
K-State’s DJ Giddens is headed to the Colts.
Here’s the moment on @WIBWsports @KStateFB @CoachAnderson15 pic.twitter.com/ykE7TyYtSq
— Andrew Lind (@WIBWAndrew) April 26, 2025
IndyStar’s Mike Chappell highlighted DJ Giddens dynamic abilities as a playmaker by showing his efficiency as a rusher and as a pass catcher at K-State.
Colts RB DJ Giddens: 3,087 rushing yards (6.0/att), 679 receiving yards (11.7) in 39 career games at K-State.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 26, 2025
One of the biggest concerns about Giddens was his large upticks in drops in 2024, with 5 drops (20%) rate far exceeding his career drops from years prior. The Athletic’s James Boyd brings up the wrist injury he was dealing with which he had surgery on this offseason, with the expectation that he will improve as a blocker and pass catcher with that work done.
#Colts RB DJ Giddens says he’s been “catching my whole life,” so he expects that to continue in the NFL.
He said he had wrist surgery this offseason and expects to be a better blocker going forward because of it.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 26, 2025
ESPN’s Stephen Holder also provided a fun tidbit on how Gidden’s style meshes with the system the Colts run (heavy RPO zone read).
Colts go with Kansas State RB DJ Giddens at 151st overall. Averaged 6.6 ypc last season and has a combined 50 receptions the past two seasons.
Fun fact: Because of their mobile QB, 37% of Giddens’ rushes in 2024 came off the zone read. Could be applicable here in Indy.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 26, 2025
Good Morning Football earlier in the week leading up to the draft had an interview with the Wildcat back to help fans further get to know the newest Colts back.
Get to know a little more about @KStateFB RB DJ Giddens before his name is possibly called this weekend during the 2025 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/6s3kh68Zwi
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 22, 2025
CBS Sports’ Jacob Gibbs highlights the best aspect of GJ’s game: his explosive acceleration and burst. His ability as a one cut runner and accelerate for a big play is essential to his skillset.
DJ Giddens has ELITE burst
Some 10-yard splits, for reference:
1.48 – Bhayshul Tuten
1.49 – DJ Giddens
1.50 – Jacory Croskey Merritt
1.52 – RJ Harvey
1.53 – Omarion Hampton
1.54 – Brashard Smith
1.56 – Tahj Brooks
1.58 – Jaydon Blue
1.58 – Dylan Sampson
1.58 – Cam Skattebo
1.58…— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) April 9, 2025
