As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals are probably zeroing in on bolstering their defense. On the offensive side, though, they already boast star power and a solid group of weapons.
But what about the backfield? With Chase Brown and Zack Moss currently in the mix, it seems stable for now. However, given the depth of talent at running back in this draft class, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bengals decide to add another piece later on.
After addressing their defensive needs, the Bengals might turn their attention to a player like Kansas State running back DJ Giddens on Day 3 of the draft. With Giddens, they’d be adding a running back who has the potential to step up and claim a starting role in the future.
2025 NFL Draft: Scouting Report on Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
Notes
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Height: 6’0″
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Weight: 212 lbs
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Recruitment: Unranked, two-star high school recruit
Positives
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Vision & Patience: Giddens excels at reading defenses and waiting for lanes to open up, showing superior patience and awareness for a back of his type.
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Elusiveness: Despite his size and build, he’s surprisingly slippery and able to evade tacklers in tight spaces.
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Workhorse Capability: With experience as Kansas State’s true No. 1 back, Giddens has proven he can shoulder a heavy workload and maintain consistent production.
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Intelligence: While he may not have explosive athletic traits, Giddens is one of the smarter backs in the class. He relies on his football IQ and knows how to leverage his strengths to make plays.
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Straight-line Speed: He’s quicker than he appears, using long strides and deceptive burst to break away from defenders when needed.
Negatives
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Yardage After Contact: Giddens struggles to gain extra yards after contact and isn’t known for pushing the pile or breaking tackles in the open field.
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Lack of Explosiveness: His cuts and sudden direction changes aren’t the sharpest, meaning he won’t wow you with his agility or quick bursts.
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Catch Radius: Although he’s solid in the passing game, Giddens has room for improvement in his ability to catch passes outside of his immediate range.
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Third-Down Role: To sustain a long NFL career, Giddens needs to improve his third-down skills. This includes refining his pass protection, becoming more reliable in the passing game, and polishing his route running. His ability to contribute in this phase will be critical to his development as an all-around back.
DJ Giddens NFL Player Comparison: Matt Forte
When Matt Forte entered the NFL from Tulane, he was a bigger back who didn’t rely on bulldozing through defenders. Instead, his game was built around finding gaps and sneaking through them with precision. Similarly, Giddens possesses the same contact balance and patience in his running style. Both backs excel in reading the field and rely on intelligence and vision rather than brute force to succeed.
DJ Giddens 2025 NFL Draft Player Grade: Early Day 3
Some may see Giddens as a fifth or sixth-round prospect, but I believe his skill set warrants a higher grade. If he’s available in the fourth round, especially for a team in need of a running back, he would be a smart pick. Giddens has the potential to secure a role in the NFL, but whether he becomes a starter will depend on his own development and commitment.
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