Colts 2025 NFL draft grades: How experts view DJ Giddens pick

The Indianapolis Colts used a mid-Day 3 draft pick to bolster the backfield depth behind Jonathan Taylor.

Using the No. 151 overall pick, the Colts landed Kansas State running back DJ Giddens, one of the more intriguing running backs in the class.

A two-year starter at Kansas State, Giddens was extremely productive during his collegiate career. He posted 517 carries for 3,087 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns in 39 games (25 starts). He also added 58 receptions for 679 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.

In 2024, Giddens recorded 205 carries for 1,343 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also added 21 receptions for 258 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Giddens averaged 5.97 yards per carry throughout his collegiate career.

Here's how NFL experts graded the Colts' selection of Giddens:

Colts NFL draft grades for DJ Giddens

Aryton Ostly, USA Today:  B+

Ostly: "Giddens offers a lot to like in a loaded running back class. He has good size at 6-foot and 212 pounds and great speed with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. He doesn't grind out yards but is very quick and makes plays in space. He should be a solid understudy to Jonathan Taylor and great injury insurance for the Colts."

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: A

Trapasso: "Maybe the RB with the best side-to-side juice in the entire class. Can string together multiple cuts in a run to knife through the defense. Tall running style hurts some of his contact balance. Vision is average. Good, not great speed and had a few too many drops as a receiver. Dynamic backup behind Jonathan Taylor. "

Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football: A

Cherepinsky: "D.J. Giddens is a tough runner who has shown plus receiving ability. The Colts needed a backup for Jonathan Taylor, and they took a decent one here, as Giddens could have been chosen a bit earlier with no complaints."

MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT: NFL draft trades tracker | SN's 7-round mock | Top 250 big board | Expert mock draft roundup