When Chris Ballard selected running back DJ Giddens in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, the logic behind the move seemed obvious. The Indianapolis Colts needed a running back who could spell workhorse Jonathan Taylor and take on RB1 duties in the event of injury.
The fact that Giddens was the 15th running back chosen makes it clear that he was not exactly a can’t-miss prospect. But the Kansas State star brought some enticing skills to the NFL.
First and foremost, he had both straight-line speed and lateral quickness. Though not nearly as powerful as Taylor, there were traces of Taylor’s running style – vision, patience, and burst.