The Indianapolis Colts are navigating a rough patch, with quarterback Anthony Richardson’s reaggravated shoulder injury casting a shadow over the team’s outlook. Without a clear timetable for his return, the mood in Indianapolis is understandably grim, and fans are finding solace in the Pacers’ success. However, a bright spot emerges in rookie running back DJ Giddens, drafted in the fifth round (No. 151 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to a Roto Baller report citing team reporter Jake Arthur, Giddens is generating buzz in training camp and could secure the RB2 role behind star Jonathan Taylor, potentially outshining veteran Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson.
Giddens, a Kansas State product, brings an impressive college resume with 2,469 rushing yards, 581 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns over his final two seasons. His athletic profile—6’0”, 212 pounds, with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical, and 10’10” broad jump—suggests big-play potential. Local reports highlight his ability to carve out a role, particularly if he improves his pass-blocking and pass-catching skills, areas where he showed promise but struggled with drops in college.[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/dj-giddens-embracing-jonathan-taylor-preparing-start)[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-rookie-dj-giddens-stat-predictions-revealed)[](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25189675-dj-giddens-nfl-draft-2025-scouting-report-indianapolis-colts-rb)
While Giddens faces competition from Herbert, a proven veteran with a 4.8 yards-per-carry average, and Goodson, his youth and upside have Colts brass excited. General Manager Chris Ballard called him a “really talented young man” with versatility, comparing him to former Colt Marlon Mack. Giddens’ college efficiency (6.5 yards per carry in 2024) and receiving ability (58 catches for 679 yards) could add a new dimension to the Colts’ backfield, especially in the passing game, where Taylor has been less effective.[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/dj-giddens-embracing-jonathan-taylor-preparing-start)[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/dj-giddens-colts-perfect-complement-jonathan-taylor)[](https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2025/06/01/khalil-herbert-of-dj-giddens-pff-projects-indianapolis-colts-backup-rb-for-2025-season/83977231007/)
For a fifth-round pick to challenge established veterans and potentially steal snaps from a Pro Bowler like Taylor is no small feat. ESPN’s Mike Clay projects a modest rookie season—48 carries for 201 yards and two touchdowns, plus seven receptions for 49 yards—but Taylor’s injury history (missing an average of three games per season) could open the door for more opportunities. Giddens’ competitive mindset, as he stated, “I just ain’t scared of competition,” and his willingness to learn from Taylor suggest he’s ready to make an impact, whether on offense or special teams.[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-rookie-dj-giddens-stat-predictions-revealed)[](https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2025/05/11/colts-rookie-rb-dj-giddens-ready-compete-learn-a-lot-jonathan-taylor/83568675007/)
While it’s not the blockbuster news Colts fans might crave amid Richardson’s uncertainty, Giddens’ potential as a dynamic backup offers a glimmer of hope. His ability to contribute as a change-of-pace back or even a spot starter could keep the running game—ranked eighth in the NFL in 2024 with 4.7 yards per play—humming. For now, this “almost nothing” spark is a small win to cling to.[](https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4/30/24421158/colts-fifth-round-draft-pick-dj-giddens-adds-value-to-complement-jt)[](https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-2025-rb-dj-giddens-player-profile)
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