DJ Giddens RB Kansas State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
DJ Giddens RB Kansas State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: DUAL-ROLE Back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/30/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.56 seconds (50%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: DUAL-ROLE Back | |
| Last Updated: 09/30/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.56 seconds (50%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 82.7 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
|
75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Rushing: |
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91% |
| Break Tackles: |
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85% |
| Receiving/Hands: |
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48% |
| Pass Blocking: |
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56% |
| Run Blocking: |
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58% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#149
Position rank:
#18
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| College Games: 36 College Snaps: 1304 | ||
| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tank Bigsby - Auburn |
|
86% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. - Alabama |
|
82% |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Kentucky |
|
75% |
Draft Profile: Bio
DJ Giddens emerged as a dynamic force in Kansas State's backfield, showcasing a blend of power and finesse that caught the eye of NFL scouts. The 6'1", 200-pound running back from Junction City, Kansas, transformed from a high school standout into a collegiate workhorse, leaving an indelible mark on the Wildcats' program.Giddens' journey to the NFL Draft began with a redshirt year in 2021, followed by a breakout sophomore campaign where he earned votes for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. His junior season solidified his draft stock, as he rushed for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 323 receiving yards and three scores through the air. This performance earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors and put him on the national radar.
With a career average of 5.59 yards per carry - third-best in Kansas State history - Giddens demonstrated his ability to produce at an elite level. His standout game against UCF, where he rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns while adding 86 receiving yards, showcased his potential as a three-down back at the next level. Born on August 26, 2003, Giddens enters the draft with a combination of youth and proven production that intrigues NFL evaluators.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional vision and patience, allowing holes to develop before exploding through gaps with burst and acceleration
- Versatile skill set with the ability as a quality receiver
- Shows good contact balance and the ability to break tackles, forcing 69 missed tackles in his junior season
- Demonstrates a nose for the end zone, scoring 13 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season
- Possesses good size for the position at 6'1", 200 lbs, with the frame to add more muscle at the next level
- Displays improving pass-blocking skills, suggesting potential as a three-down back in the NFL
- Productive against top competition, as shown by his 151-yard performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against NC State
- Durable player who started all 13 games in his final season, handling a heavy workload without significant injury concerns
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks elite top-end speed, with a 4.56 40-yard dash time that puts him in the middle of the pack for his position
- Still developing as a receiver out of the backfield, with room for improvement in route running and consistency catching the ball
- Run blocking skills need refinement to meet NFL standards
- May struggle initially with the complexity of NFL pass protection schemes, requiring time to adjust to pro-level blitz pickups
- Limited experience as a lead back prior to his junior season could raise questions about his readiness for a full NFL workload
Scouting Report: Summary
DJ Giddens projects as a potential workhorse back at the next level, with the skill set to contribute immediately in a committee role while developing into a featured runner. His combination of size, vision, and versatility makes him an intriguing prospect for teams employing zone-blocking schemes.While Giddens may not possess elite breakaway speed, his ability to create yards after contact and contribute in the passing game should translate well to the NFL. Teams looking for a back who can handle a heavy workload and provide a reliable outlet in the short-passing game will find Giddens an attractive mid-round option.
As he transitions to the pro level, Giddens will need to continue refining his pass protection skills and build on his receiving abilities to maximize his potential as an every-down back. With his production against quality competition and room for further development, Giddens has the tools to become a solid contributor in an NFL backfield.
Written By:
Eli Cooper (Big 12)
How other scouting services rate DJ Giddens (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
124.7
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
11.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.