DJ Giddens

The Indianapolis Colts selected Seth McGowan, a 223-pound back who pairs a scorched-earth 109.7 Speed Score (67th-percentile) with a massive 42.5-inch vertical (98th-percentile). McGowan found success against SEC competition with 12 rushing touchdowns and a solid 28.0% College Dominator Rating.

In dynasty formats, McGowan should be viewed as a potential elite handcuff to Jonathan Taylor, as he will compete with DJ Giddens for the backup role.

Early reports out of Colts’ training camp indicate that fifth-round rookie running back DJ Giddens is solidifying his odds of becoming the RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor. Currently battling with Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson for the role, Giddens provided the first big run of the day, cutting back against the grain for an explosive run. Head Coach Shane Steichen says, “he’s kind of a glider, but he’s got good burst, good vision.”

Giddens continued to make plays even if they weren’t flashy. Looking like a natural receiver, he made several catches out of the backfield without a drop. Fantasy managers who own shares of Giddens should be excited about the early camp news, as the Colts are a run-centric team, and any missed time from Taylor will have the backup being a coveted piece in any format.

Author: Dane Madoche(@FF_DaMaddog)

DJ Giddens was an exciting pre draft prospect this year, one of the many running backs touted as a “changing of the guard” at the position. As with many of the backs in his cohort, Giddens failed to get either good draft capital or a decent landing spot — or neither in his case. The Colts have one of the few true studs at RB in Jonathan Taylor, and a very high quality backup in Khalil Herbert, nevertheless the team is committed to giving Giddens a fair shake in the rotation.

Giddens has the prototypical tools you look for in a running back, a 6ft, 212 lb frame who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and measured out with a 95th percentile burst score – he also has back to back productive seasons at Kansas State, running 1226 and then 1343 yards with plenty of catches on his profile. The big impediment to Giddens starting the season as the 3rd down back this year is his pass blocking, but the Colts suggest that if he improves in that area he could earn that role.

Author: Lukasz Stec (@Lukasz_FF01)

The Indianapolis Colts have added a new piece to their backfield with the selection of DJ Giddens, who will serve as a backup to All-American stud running back Jonathan Taylor. Giddens, a physical back at 6’0” and 212 lbs, brings athleticism and burst to complement Taylor’s explosive running style.

Giddens will have the opportunity to prove himself behind Taylor, though the competition for carries remains fierce. He’s known to be very good when he gets past the line of scrimmage, and is great in space, but struggles with the basics of reading the field before the snap and finding lanes. Giddens’ fantasy football stock will be limited as long as Taylor remains healthy and a central part of the offense, however if the Colts struggle early and decide on a full rebuild, Taylor might get traded and the door for Giddens could quickly open.

Author: Lukasz Stec (@Lukasz_FF01)

DJ Giddens, the Kansas State product, handled over 200 carries each of his final two seasons. Giddens also caught more than twenty passes in his two years as a starter.

It was the 2025 NFL Combine, though, that was more than impressive for Giddens. Per RAS.football, Giddens earned a 9.78 RAS, which ranks 43rd out of 1909 running back profiles dating back to 1987.  Giddens ran a 4.43-forty yard dash, ant put up a 91st-percentile speed score. But that’s not all: Giddens’ 95th-percentile burst score confirmed what scouts saw on film.

Giddens’ projection continues to hover around Round 4. He’s only 21 years old, and could easily step in to an RB2 role right away on an NFL team. He may need to develop as a pass-blocker, but Giddens could be an interesting backup to start.

Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)