Kansas State running back DJ Giddens has been one of the most productive backs in the nation since 2023, but how does his full NFL scouting report look?
Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
Measurables:
- 6’1”
- 212 lbs
Player Background:
The Junction City, Kansas native was an all-state selection his senior year but ended up as an unranked recruit in 2021. Giddens committed to Kansas State out of high school, where he spent his entire collegiate career. He redshirted his freshman season behind a stacked backfield, not appearing in a single game. His role quickly grew to the team’s primary RB2, appearing in every contest in the 2022 season.
Giddens ran the ball 89 times for 518 yards and six scores, with eight grabs for 98 yards. He assumed the starting position in 2023, remaining there for his final two years. His first season as the starter was wildly successful, rushing 223 times for 1,226 yards and 10 TDs to go along with 29 catches for 323 yards and three scores. 2024 was a very similar statistical year; again, it was a great campaign. His senior season finished with 205 carries for 1,343 yards and seven TDs, with just over 250 receiving yards and a score.
Accolades:
- All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2023)
- All-Big 12 Second Team (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Arguably, the biggest area in which Giddens flashes high-level skills is during any kind of transition movement. His footwork shifts from lateral cuts to a vertical drive, which is sharp with little wasted space or momentum. He re-centers himself smoothly after larger jump cuts and keeps his legs moving to maintain his forward drive to outpace out of position defenders. Those strengths also showcase themselves in the receiving game, with soft hands and a swift change from receiver to ball carrier. He sinks into his hips well in traffic to work through high tackle attempts and pulls out a natural spin move to avoid contact.
Giddens often subtly alters his running direction mid-play to take a more ideal route and gain extra yards. His shoulders move comfortably when surrounded by defenders, contorting them to limit contact and continue moving downfield. He’s a smart back past the line of scrimmage, wasting no time getting vertical and knowing when to straightline and accelerate. His hands are quick to adjust to passes away from his frame, and he has solid awareness on downfield routes. He lowers his shoulder with force at the end of runs and fights for any extra yardage too.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Giddens runs into most of his struggles due to just not being outstanding in most aspects. He doesn’t have the acceleration to bounce runs to the sideline and create when there isn’t an immediate opening. His long speed is adequate, but he’s prone to getting hawked down after hitting larger holes. He has some brighter moments when pushing through defenders to pick up a few extra yards, but his overall physicality isn’t fantastic.
He won’t have physically dominating runs where he breaks multiple tackles, and his contact balance is iffy at times. Giddens’ vision at the line is inconsistent, and there will be some ugly lapses between the tackles. He’s stiffer when running routes out of the backfield, especially through traffic. His routes are often rounded and slower, relying on “freebies” for most of his receiving production. His skills as a pass blocker are very raw; he struggles to maintain blocks and at times overshoots defenders.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Giddens is a player and prospect who could definitely see a starting role in the NFL, and quickly too. He’s got the compact movement skills and comfortability as a runner and receiver that teams look for and has a pretty complete profile, all things considered. With that being said, his ceiling is much lower than many starting backs. His speed and acceleration aren’t overwhelmingly noticeable, and just isn’t a true home run hitter. He should be able to make a solid career for himself as a higher-end RB2 or low-to-mid-end RB1 for a good chunk of time.
Prospect Grade:
- Early to Mid 4th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Oklahoma State
- 2024 vs. Tulane
- 2024 vs. West Virginia
Main Photo: Reese Strickland – Imagn Images
