2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DJ Giddens

DJ Giddens put on a show in Indy. He ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at 212 pounds and posted a 39.5-inch vertical jump and a 10’4” broad. All of that helped him earn a 9.78 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), placing him among the elite athletes at his position. His testing confirmed what the tape showed: a fast, explosive back who can accelerate in a blink and punish defenses in space.

Background:

A native of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens came to Kansas State as an under-the-radar recruit but quickly turned heads in Manhattan. After flashing as a freshman, he took on a more prominent role in 2023, carrying the ball 223 times for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 20 passes for 258 yards and three scores on his way to All Big-12 Honorable mention. 

Giddens was the heartbeat of the Wildcats' offense this past season, consistently delivering chunk plays and showcasing a well-rounded skill set that projects well to the next level. He finished with 1,343 yards on 206 carries with 4.16 yards after contact per rush, which ranks 7th in this draft class. He was named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and All-Big 12 Second Team for his efforts.

Strengths:

• Giddens has an outstanding athletic profile (9.78 RAS), verified 4.43 speed, and a 39.5” vertical jump.
• He is explosive, with burst through the hole and into the second level.
• Giddens has natural elusiveness in the open field with subtle lateral movement and fluid hips.
• He's effective in both zone and gap schemes. He presses the line well and hits creases decisively.
• As a reliable and experienced receiver, Giddens has had over 50 catches in the last two seasons.
• He possesses a durable frame and a proven ability to handle a heavy workload.

Weaknesses:

• His upright running style limits his pad level and makes tackling him through the core easier.
• Giddens is still developing in pass protection. He needs to improve his strike timing and leverage.
• He has had concentration drops in the passing game.
• Giddens lacks short-area suddenness as a runner. He is more of a long-strider than a jitterbug.
• Giddens doesn't consistently finish runs or move the pile as a power runner.

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for DJ Giddens

DJ Giddens is one of those backs who can get lost in the shuffle during draft season, but he shouldn’t. He’s an explosive athlete with actual home-run ability. That kind of speed-size combo doesn’t grow on trees. Giddens thrives when he’s allowed to get downhill and build momentum, and he fits best in a zone-based system that emphasizes cutback lanes and vision. He’s not overly shifty in tight quarters, but give him space, and he’ll make defenders pay. He’ll need to address his upright running style at the next level—it shows up when trying to finish through contact—but his balance and ability to avoid clean hits mitigate some of that concern.

As a pass catcher, he brings enough to stay on the field on third down. He won’t run a diverse route tree, but he can leak out, catch a swing pass, and rip off 15 yards with ease. There’s some hidden juice in his receiving game, and with more polish, he could become a reliable check-down option. His game's most significant developmental area is pass protection, where he flashes willingness but still needs technical refinement.

Giddens makes a lot of sense for the Bears if they miss out on the top options in this draft. Giddens can be the early down back to compliment D'Andre Swift while giving them some legitimate upside and possessing the speed Ben Johnson requires out of any offensive weapon. With the signing of Drew Dalman, I expect the Bears to rely heavily on outside zone concepts, which would make excellent use of Giddens’ speed and vision. 

He may not start immediately, but he could steal reps early on and take over the starting spot at some point in year 1. Giddens would be a smart target in the middle rounds if the Bears are looking for an explosive back who can contribute early and grow into more.

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