2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DJ Giddens
Running Back: Kansas State
Height: 6’1” | Weight: 212 lbs
Background
A Kansas native, DJ Giddens initially served as a backup to Deuce Vaughn in 2022, tallying 518 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 89 carries (5.8 yards per attempt). He became Kansas State’s leadback the following season, racking up 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns on 223 carries (5.5 YPC) while also contributing 29 catches for 323 yards and three scores. In 2024, Giddens posted another impressive stat line, rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries (6.6 YPC) while adding 258 receiving yards and a touchdown on 21 receptions.
Strengths
- Workhorse Potential: Giddens has proven he can handle a heavy workload over multiple seasons.
- Patience & Footwork: Shows good vision in the backfield with smooth lateral movement, allowing him to find running lanes.
- Creativity in Space: Can make defenders miss with jukes, spin moves, and quick cuts.
- Build-Up Speed & Acceleration: While not a burner, he moves fluidly and gains speed as he progresses downfield.
- Tackle-Breaking Ability: Runs through arm tackles once he builds momentum and fights for extra yards.
- Ball Security: Just three fumbles across 518 career carries.
- Receiving Potential: His size and flexibility allow him to adjust to passes, and he has experience lining up in the slot.
- Potential as a Pass Blocker: His size suggests he could develop into a solid option in blitz protection with more experience.
Weaknesses
- Lacks Elite Explosiveness: He’s more of a smooth, fluid runner rather than a sudden, explosive athlete.
- Inconsistent Vision & Decision-Making: Occasionally misses opportunities to set up blocks or manipulate defenders.
- High Pad Level: His taller frame leads to an upright running style, making him vulnerable to big hits.
- Struggles in Short-Yardage Situations: Not as dominant at pushing piles as his size might suggest.
- Hands Need Work: recorded five drops in 2024 and seven throughout his career on 58 total catches.
- Pass Protection Issues: Logged over 100 snaps in blitz pickup over the past two seasons but struggled, allowing three sacks in 2024 (per PFF).
Summary
Giddens is a big-bodied, agile back who excels in open space, using his vision, flexibility, and elusiveness to make defenders miss. Despite his size, he isn’t a punishing between-the-tackles runner and needs to build up speed before breaking through contact. If he improves his receiving consistency and develops as a pass protector, he could carve out a valuable role in the NFL. He projects as a solid mid-round draft pick for a team looking to maximize his open-field ability.
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