Oct 26, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back DJ Giddens (31) tries to run from Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Mello Dotson (3) during the fourth quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

K-State's DJ Giddens Turning Heads In Fantasy Football World

Originally posted on Kansas State Wildcats on SI
By Branson Brooks | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 10:44 AM ET

Former Kansas State running back DJ Giddens is gaining attention at the next level.

Giddens was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. During training camp, he has turned heads as a potential backup to star running back Johnathan Taylor.

Dynasty Dad, a well-known fantasy football creator, even cited Giddens as one of his favorite "insurance" running backs for the season.

“DJ Giddens is one of my favorite INSURANCE RBs,” he wrote on X. “Learning the Position, but has Tools. Creates yards with elusiveness, natural hands, and route-running, and back-to-back 1600-yard seasons."

DJ Giddens is one of my favorite INSURANCE RBs #ForTheShoe

Learning the Position but has Tools
Creates yards w elusiveness
Natrual hands & route-running
Back to Back 1600 yard seasons

JT has missed games every year making Giddens a MUST OWN pic.twitter.com/Xs194nzGnk https://t.co/Igr3OpsQvu
— Dynasty Dad (@DynastyDadFF) June 8, 2025

Taylor's history of injuries has led to missed games throughout his career, potentially opening the door for Giddens to make an impact during his rookie season. Additionally, with Taylor's recent three-year, $42 million extension, Giddens could serve as a valuable backup or future asset.

So Jonathan Taylor is a great RB for sure…

But he does have a bit of an injury history.

The Colts drafted DJ Giddens who was one of my favorite sleepers going into the NFL Draft.

If JT misses time, any reason to think DJ Giddens can’t be fantasy productive?
— Marc Gartenberg (@marc_gartenberg) June 8, 2025

Fans are also joking that Giddens could be a better rusher than Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

What if Anthony Richardson and DJ Giddens are RB1 & RB2 for the Colts next szn

(Ati you need to stop bro) pic.twitter.com/MFcwuX2y9p
— Ati (@atioberoi) June 9, 2025

While at Kansas State, Giddens had 3,087 rushing yards, third-most in school history. He was in elite company with Darren Sproles as one of four Wildcats to record multiple 1,000-yard seasons. In his last season, Giddens had two consecutive games of 180-plus rushing yards against Oklahoma State and Colorado.

Scouts note that Giddens needs to improve his pass protection and receiving skills, however, these are areas that should develop with increased reps during training camp and preseason.