Colts late-round draft pick earns high praise as value selection

The Indianapolis Colts backfield added an intriguing talent to the mix.

While Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor is still expected to take the lion's share of work in the backfield, the Colts used a fifth-round pick on Kansas State's DJ Giddens.

The backup running back spot will have some intense competition with Giddens in the mix, and Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski dished out some high praise for the selection.

"In Giddens' case, Indianapolis now has a second running back with legitimate big-play potential—the position won't necessarily experience a massive downshift once Jonathan Taylor leaves the field to take a breather," Sobleski wrote. "Considering the scheme is built around Taylor's capabilities, another explosive runner with 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed (at 212 pounds) to slash through opposing defenses won't make the offense as predictable when he's not on the field. The 21-year-old back ran for 2,569 combined yards over the last two seasons."

The Colts were expected to add to the backfield during the draft given the combination of their depth chart and the strength of the class at the position.

Giddens was viewed as a fringe Day 2 pick, so the Colts grabbing him in the fifth round could turn out to be a major steal.

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.

There's a very good chance the Colts have an explosive 1-2 punch out of the backfield in 2025.