The Indianapolis Colts selected Kansas State running back DJ Giddens with the 151st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Giddens was widely projected as a Day 2 pick thanks to his impressive college production and versatile skill set, but he unexpectedly slid to Day 3 — making him a value pick for the Colts.
With Giddens joining the Colts in 2025, here’s a look at the team’s running back depth chart as it stands.
Colts’ RB Depth Chart After Drafting DJ Giddens
Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor has been the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense since being drafted in the second round (41st overall) in 2020 out of Wisconsin. He quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite running backs, earning two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod. Taylor led the NFL in rushing in 2021 with 1,811 yards and has surpassed 1,200 rushing yards in three seasons.
Taylor has battled several injuries, including high-ankle sprains in 2022 that required surgery and a thumb injury in 2023 that caused a three-game absence. He returned to form in 2024, rushing for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns across 14 games — marking his first 1,000-yard season since 2021. Taylor remains entrenched as the team’s RB1 heading into 2025.
Khalil Herbert
Entering his fifth NFL season, Khalil Herbert joined the Colts on a one-year deal after previous stints with the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals. In 49 games, he’s tallied 1,791 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry with 9 touchdowns, along with 53 receptions for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Herbert is known for his vision and burst, particularly excelling in zone-blocking schemes. He’s also contributed as a kick returner. This season, Herbert is expected to serve as the primary backup to Taylor and function as a third-down option, providing depth and veteran stability.
Tyler Goodson
Entering his third NFL season, Tyler Goodson has mainly been a depth and special teams player for Indianapolis. In 2024, he appeared in five games, recording 5 carries for 26 yards and 4 receptions for 33 yards.
Goodson is a smaller, agile back with some receiving skills. He’s shown flashes in limited action but has yet to carve out a significant offensive role. He’ll be competing for a roster spot as a depth back and special teams contributor this season.
Salvon Ahmed
Salvon Ahmed joined the Colts after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he primarily served as a rotational back and special teamer. In 38 games, he rushed for 593 yards at 3.6 yards per carry with 5 touchdowns, and contributed as a receiver out of the backfield.
Ahmed is a quick, shifty runner with experience in outside zone schemes. He’ll likely compete for a depth role and a spot on special teams during training camp.
DJ Giddens
The newcomer, DJ Giddens, comes in after a standout career at Kansas State. In 2024, Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards (6.5 YPC) and 7 touchdowns, while also contributing nearly 600 receiving yards over two seasons — averaging 12.9 yards per catch in 2024.
At 6’0″ and 212 pounds, Giddens is a patient, agile runner with good vision and receiving ability. He’s not a pure power back, but he gains tough yards and can be a threat in the passing game. Scouts highlight his ability to break tackles and generate chunk plays, though he lacks elite top-end speed.
In 2025, Giddens is expected to compete immediately for backup and rotational snaps, particularly on early downs and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
