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DJ Giddens Would Be a Good Fit in the Commanders’ Backfield

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Cincinnati v Kansas State
Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

DJ Giddens, RB

School: Kansas State University | Conference: Big 12 Conference
College Experience: Redshirt Junior | Draft Age: 22 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’0”/ 212 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Mid 3rd-5th round

Player Comparison: TJ Yeldon

College Statistics

Rushing & Receiving Table
Rushing Receiving Scrimmage
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Att Yds Y/A TD Y/G Rec Yds Y/R TD Y/G Plays Yds Avg TD Awards
2022* Kansas State Big 12 FR RB 14 89 518 5.8 6 37.0 8 98 12.3 0 7.0 97 616 6.4 6
2023* Kansas State Big 12 SO RB 13 223 1226 5.5 10 94.3 29 323 11.1 3 24.8 252 1549 6.1 13
2024* Kansas State Big 12 SR RB 12 205 1343 6.6 7 111.9 21 258 12.3 1 21.5 226 1601 7.1 8
Career 39 517 3087 6.0 23 79.2 58 679 11.7 4 17.4 575 3766 6.5 27
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/19/2025.

Player Overview

DJ Giddens was a preferred walk-on player from Junction City HS (KS), playing for Kansas State University. He redshirted his freshman year and sat behind Deuce Vaughn but did impress with over 600 total yards and 6 TDs in 2022. As a full-time starter in 2023, he became the bell-cow back, logging over 200 carries and 20 receptions each season. Over two seasons, Giddens has compiled 3,150 total yards, and 21 total touchdowns.

DJ Giddens is a big productive running back who was able to carry the workload for his team as the bell-cow back. He boasts quick, clean footwork and patience in the backfield for holes to develop. He is also a capable receiver in the backfield with natural hands and he’s able to get open in scramble drills. Despite the combination of size, Giddens play strength does not match it. He is not a pile mover and unable to break tackles without a running start. He has the size to be a capable pass blocker but needs to work on his technique and rely less on diving. All in all, Giddens is an elusive, well-rounded running back prospect who has the capability to carry the workload. He is seen as a middle round selection with a wide variance.

Awards & Recognition

  • All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2023)
  • Second Team All-Big 12 (2024)

Metrics

PFF: 75.7 overall grade

Strengths

  • Anticipatory vision.
  • Runs with patience waiting for blocks
  • Elusive in traffic.
  • Effective as a pass-catching weapon. 50 receptions over two seasons.
  • Good ball security (1 forced fumble in 428 carries, according to PFF).

Weaknesses

  • Struggles to break tackles when contacted early.
  • Not strong moving the pile for his size.
  • Lacks breakaway speed, second gear.
  • Needs to improve his pass protection technique (dives too often than square up).
  • Runs with a pad level that is a tad high.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

Washington could use more backfield talent. While the Commanders boasted a top-five rushing attack, running back production became pedestrian as the season went deep. Optimally, the team needs another backfield option that is capable of big plays and providing depth. Short of an explosive second gear, Giddens has the playmaking vision, speed, and elusiveness out of the backfield. He works best in gap schemes where the offensive line is able to create holes. He is a back that can be a factor in the run and pass game. Aspects such as pass blocking technique, lower pad level, etc. could be coached up with the tutelage of Anthony Lynn. He would likely be part of a platoon with Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols. Giddens has the traits to be an every-down back, though he will need to prove it in camp and on the field.