Kansas State’s DJ Giddens: An Underrated 2025 NFL Draft Prospect
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens may not be generating major buzz in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his production and skill set suggest he could be one of the biggest steals at his position.
Ranked 13th among running backs and 154th overall on the consensus big board, Giddens has put up back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons in a modern rushing offense. Yet he remains under the radar—largely due to his unconventional path to the NFL.
Late Start, Rapid Ascent
Unlike many elite running back prospects, Giddens didn’t start playing organized football until his sophomore year of high school in Junction City, Kansas, just 20 miles from Kansas State. He quickly made an impact, earning first-team all-state honors and rushing for 216 yards in his team’s state championship game as a senior.
Despite his success, Giddens was overlooked as a recruit and walked on at Kansas State in 2021. After redshirting his first year, he made the most of his opportunities in 2022, averaging 5.8 yards per carry on just 89 attempts. Over the next two seasons, he became the Wildcats’ featured back, finishing his college career with 3,087 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 6.0 yards-per-carry average.
Elite Elusiveness & Open-Field Playmaking
Giddens’ advanced metrics show his ability to create yards after contact and make defenders miss:
- 4.16 yards after contact per carry (6th among RBs with 200+ carries in 2024)
- 25 runs of 15+ yards (7th in the nation)
However, what truly separates Giddens is his elite lateral agility and elusiveness. On film, he consistently makes defenders miss in one-on-one situations, using sharp jump cuts and sudden stop-start movements to break pursuit angles.
While he doesn’t have top-end speed or brute power, his ability to shift direction without losing momentum makes him one of the most dangerous backs in open space. His patience and vision allow him to maximize his runs, letting blocks develop before bursting through lanes.
Three-Down Potential
Beyond his rushing ability, Giddens has legitimate pass-catching value.
- 58 career receptions for 679 yards and 4 TDs
- Versatile as a receiver, excelling on screens, Texas routes, and wheel routes
To secure early playing time in the NFL, Giddens will need to refine his pass protection technique. While he has experience in blitz pickup, issues with lunging and dropping his eyes have led to inconsistent results.
Final Outlook
Giddens isn’t the fastest or strongest back in the draft, but his elusiveness, vision, and receiving ability make him a valuable prospect. While he may begin his NFL career as a third-down specialist, his potential as a complete back could make him an intriguing Day 2 or Day 3 steal for teams looking for a playmaker in space.
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