DJ Giddens is one of the versatile running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft and perhaps the best among those yet to be picked ahead of Day 3. The Kansas State RB prospect saw some backs come off the board in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, but there are still starting roles available.
Top 3 Potential Landing Spots for DJ Giddens
Giddens runs with a physical style, showing excellent balance and the ability to break tackles in tight spaces. He combines good vision and patience with strong acceleration through the hole, making him effective between the tackles and in open space.
Giddens is coming off back-to-back 1,200+ yard rushing seasons with 10 and seven touchdowns in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He shows reliable hands and the ability to create mismatches against linebackers.
The main concerns with Giddens are a lack of elite mass and questions about his ability to be a reliable pass blocker. However, he is relatively new to the position, so there is plenty of development potential.
Giddens likely has the frame to be a three-down back at the NFL level. He’s a solid 6-foot, 212 pounds. With a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, his speed score ranks in the 91st percentile.
So, which teams could be looking to draft Giddens early heading into Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft?
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and the front office made it a priority to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, adding center Drew Dalman and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. All three are expected to start for Chicago in 2025.
Bolstering the offensive line, which ranked 14th in PFSN’s OL+ metrics last season, was an important step that continued on Day 2 of the draft. Strengthening the running game would also help, with D’Andre Swift being the only capable starter. Giddens may not be a finished product, but the upside is high.
Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert led the Miami Dolphins’ rushing attack for three seasons before departing for Las Vegas on a one-year, $2.1 million contract this offseason. Nevertheless, Miami had De’Von Achane as the leading rusher last season and added Alexander Mattison as Mostert’s replacement this offseason.
Still, Mattison has never crossed 700 rushing yards in a season, while Giddens offers the potential for both elite production on the ground and reliable hands through the air.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys finished No. 23 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season with a nonexistent run game paced by the recently departed Rico Dowdle, who led the team with 1,079 rushing yards and just two touchdowns.
While the Cowboys added Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders this offseason, they were widely believed to be after Ashton Jeanty. However, Dallas didn’t trade up for him and could now turn to a similar versatile back in Giddens, with help also needed in their receiver room.