Colts fifth-round draft pick DJ Giddens adds situational value to complement Jonathan Taylor

“The production that he’s had the last couple years there has been impressive to watch,” Steichen told reporters. “The vision, the contact balance, the way he runs. He’s a 4.43 guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, is big for our team as well. So, it’s a good get.”

The Indianapolis Colts found value adding versatility to upgrade their rushing attack and selected Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 151 overall pick.

Despite just two seasons as a starter, Giddens emerged as one of the best tailbacks in the nation. Giddens led the Wildcats with 1,601 scrimmage yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 205 carries to earn All-Big 12 Second-Team recognition by the coaches in 2024. The former zero-star recruit out of Junction City, Kan. capped off his collegiate career with 3,087 rushing yards, which is the third-most career rushing yards in Kansas State history. His 27 total touchdowns finished just outside the top 10 in program history.

At 6-foot, 212-pounds, Giddens is a productive workhorse who can pick up the tough yards in between the tackles on crucial downs. Giddens averaged 6.5 yards per carry last season, tied for fifth among RBs eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, per Pro Football Focus. His highlight reel features a power tailback whose phenomenal maneuvers and late cuts make defenders completely misread his path. Giddens’ presence in the pass game can ignite explosive plays with swing routes, which Colts head coach Shane Steichen has consistently tried to design in short yardage situations.

“The production that he’s had the last couple years there has been impressive to watch,” Steichen told reporters. “The vision, the contact balance, the way he runs. He’s a 4.43 guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, is big for our team as well. So, it’s a good get.”

Colts GM Chris Ballard discovered another hidden gem with an elite athleticism score. Giddens posted a 9.89 Relative Athletic Score, which ranks 23rd out of 1,935 RBs to participate in the scouting combine since 1987. The 21-year-old entered the draft ranked No. 96 on the PFF Big Board, so the Colts selecting the 15th RB in the fifth round could be considered Indy’s biggest Day 3 steal of the draft. Giddens brings value in the passing game that has become a liability in the Colts offense, evidenced by his 50 catches for 581 receiving yards and four receiving TDs across the last two seasons as a starter.

Giddens joins a running back room featuring Jonathan Taylor, newly signed fifth-year veteran Khalil Herbert, and returning third-year pro Tyler Goodson. The Colts ranked eighth in the NFL averaging 4.7 rushing yards per play and 137.1 rushing yards per game last season. Taylor, who is coming off his second Pro Bowl campaign, rushed for 1,431 yards (fourth in NFL) on 303 carries and scored 11 touchdowns in 2024.

The Colts will develop Giddens’ pass protection skills and ball security placement after the rookie underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his wrist. Close to 30 incoming rookies, including 8 draft picks, 12 undrafted free agent signings and 8 minicamp invitees are set to begin Colts rookie minicamp on May 10.