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Indianapolis Colts' rookie running back DJ Giddens is ready to compete and also learn whatever he can from Jonathan Taylor.
"I don't mind that backseat role, especially in someone that's elite like him, I can learn a lot from," Giddens said of Taylor, via Horseshoe Huddle. "So, that's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna sit back and listen. I don't say too much, I don't think I know everything, so I'm gonna be a sponge around him."
Taylor would lead the NFL in rushing with over 1,800 yards in 2021 and had the most rushing touchdowns that season as well. After navigating injuries in 2022 and 2023, Taylor eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season for the first time since 2021, and was one of the most productive and efficient running backs in football.
As we all know, this is Taylor's backfield, but as GM Chris Ballard pointed out at the NFL combine, the Colts need more production this season from the backup running back role.
This is where Giddens, as well as free agent signee Khalil Herbert, enter the picture.
Taylor will still shoulder the bulk of the carries, of course, but having a steady and reliable presence behind him can help shoulder the workload over the course of a long NFL season, and potentially reduce some of the wear and tear that comes at this position.
Also, the Colts still being able to generate some chunk plays during those few instances when Taylor isn't on the field in a game will obviously be quite valuable.
Giddens surpassed 1,200 rushing yards in 2023 at Kansas State and 1,300 yards this past year. In 2024 specifically, he averaged a hefty 6.5 yards per rush. This included ranking sixth in average yards after contact, 20th in missed tackles forced, and resulted in him generating the 15th most rushes of 10 or more yards, per PFF.
Beyond his impact as a ball carrier, Giddens could potentially give the Colts a boost in the passing game as well--an element this offense didn't really have last season. In his final two years of college, Giddens totaled 72 targets and nearly 600 yards.
While we already know who the starting running back is, the RB2 and RB3 roles on the depth chart are still up for grabs, as is the number of opportunities that either Giddens or Herbert can earn each week. The better those two are, the more willing Shane Steichen will be to give them touches.
So with all of that, although Giddens is eager to learn from Taylor, he's also bringing a competitive mindset to offseason programs and eventually training camp, so he can earn as many touches as possible.
"It's competition, for sure," Giddens said. "Everybody coming in -- I'm coming in to start -- that's what everybody's mindset is. But whatever it is, I'm gonna keep working, so I'm not trippin'.
"That's just how I am. I just ain't scared of competition. I'll play my role, and as long as I'm making an impact on the team, that's all that matters."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts rookie camp: DJ Giddens ready to 'learn a lot' from Jonathan Taylor
Continue reading...
"I don't mind that backseat role, especially in someone that's elite like him, I can learn a lot from," Giddens said of Taylor, via Horseshoe Huddle. "So, that's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna sit back and listen. I don't say too much, I don't think I know everything, so I'm gonna be a sponge around him."
Taylor would lead the NFL in rushing with over 1,800 yards in 2021 and had the most rushing touchdowns that season as well. After navigating injuries in 2022 and 2023, Taylor eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season for the first time since 2021, and was one of the most productive and efficient running backs in football.
As we all know, this is Taylor's backfield, but as GM Chris Ballard pointed out at the NFL combine, the Colts need more production this season from the backup running back role.
This is where Giddens, as well as free agent signee Khalil Herbert, enter the picture.
Taylor will still shoulder the bulk of the carries, of course, but having a steady and reliable presence behind him can help shoulder the workload over the course of a long NFL season, and potentially reduce some of the wear and tear that comes at this position.
Also, the Colts still being able to generate some chunk plays during those few instances when Taylor isn't on the field in a game will obviously be quite valuable.
Giddens surpassed 1,200 rushing yards in 2023 at Kansas State and 1,300 yards this past year. In 2024 specifically, he averaged a hefty 6.5 yards per rush. This included ranking sixth in average yards after contact, 20th in missed tackles forced, and resulted in him generating the 15th most rushes of 10 or more yards, per PFF.
Beyond his impact as a ball carrier, Giddens could potentially give the Colts a boost in the passing game as well--an element this offense didn't really have last season. In his final two years of college, Giddens totaled 72 targets and nearly 600 yards.
While we already know who the starting running back is, the RB2 and RB3 roles on the depth chart are still up for grabs, as is the number of opportunities that either Giddens or Herbert can earn each week. The better those two are, the more willing Shane Steichen will be to give them touches.
So with all of that, although Giddens is eager to learn from Taylor, he's also bringing a competitive mindset to offseason programs and eventually training camp, so he can earn as many touches as possible.
"It's competition, for sure," Giddens said. "Everybody coming in -- I'm coming in to start -- that's what everybody's mindset is. But whatever it is, I'm gonna keep working, so I'm not trippin'.
"That's just how I am. I just ain't scared of competition. I'll play my role, and as long as I'm making an impact on the team, that's all that matters."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts rookie camp: DJ Giddens ready to 'learn a lot' from Jonathan Taylor
Continue reading...
