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It's NFL draft month. So, between now and when the first round begins, we will be highlighting prospects who could be of interest to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Next up is Kansas State running back DJ Giddens.
Height: 6-002
Weight: 212
Relative Athletic Score (RAS): 9.78
Giddens has 518 career rushing attempts, most of which came over the last two years at Kansas State. In 2023, Giddens would rush for 1,226 yards at 5.5 yards per rush with 10 scores. This past year, he improved on that production with 1,343 rushing yards at a hefty 6.5 yards per rush with seven touchdowns.
Among eligible running backs in 2024, Giddens was third in yards per rush, sixth in average yards after contact, 20th in missed tackles forced, and tied for 15th in rushes of 10-plus yards, according to PFF.
Along with his production in the run game, Giddens was fairly active as a pass-catcher as well. Over the last two years, Giddens had 72 targets and totaled nearly 600 receiving yards during that span with four scores. His 12.9 yards per catch in 2024 ranked 11th among running backs.
With only three running backs on the roster, the Jaguars need more depth at this position group. Also, with the draft being about planning ahead, as we look ahead to 2026, Travis Etienne is a free agent at that time, and Tank Bigsby will be in the final year of his rookie deal.
But going beyond the roster construction component, the running game is going to be a crucial element in helping to get this Jaguars' offense back on track, which includes Trevor Lawrence and the passing game. A strong running game keeps the offense out of predictable passing situations and can open up opportunities through the air in those manageable down-and-distance situations.
Then, within Liam Coen's offense, the running game and passing game concepts build off of each other as well, adding to the importance of being able to move the ball on the ground.
In addition to all of that, if we look at the Buccaneers' offense last season under Coen, the running backs were a key part in the passing game as well.
So, it's safe to say that having options and a robust running back room will be important for the new Jaguars' offense.
For more on Giddens, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his scouting report:
"A productive runner with good size, Giddens lacks explosive elements in his game. He defies expectations as a big back who doesn’t run with heavy power. He’s a long-strider with wiggle between the tackles. He’s patient behind his blocks and quickly processes run-lane development. He’s not sudden and lacks the burst to outflank defenses, so running behind his pads and picking up the tough yardage inside might have to be his ticket into a rotation."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Previewing Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
Continue reading...
Next up is Kansas State running back DJ Giddens.
Measureables
Height: 6-002
Weight: 212
Relative Athletic Score (RAS): 9.78
Stats to know
Giddens has 518 career rushing attempts, most of which came over the last two years at Kansas State. In 2023, Giddens would rush for 1,226 yards at 5.5 yards per rush with 10 scores. This past year, he improved on that production with 1,343 rushing yards at a hefty 6.5 yards per rush with seven touchdowns.
Among eligible running backs in 2024, Giddens was third in yards per rush, sixth in average yards after contact, 20th in missed tackles forced, and tied for 15th in rushes of 10-plus yards, according to PFF.
Along with his production in the run game, Giddens was fairly active as a pass-catcher as well. Over the last two years, Giddens had 72 targets and totaled nearly 600 receiving yards during that span with four scores. His 12.9 yards per catch in 2024 ranked 11th among running backs.
Fit with the Jacksonville Jaguars
With only three running backs on the roster, the Jaguars need more depth at this position group. Also, with the draft being about planning ahead, as we look ahead to 2026, Travis Etienne is a free agent at that time, and Tank Bigsby will be in the final year of his rookie deal.
But going beyond the roster construction component, the running game is going to be a crucial element in helping to get this Jaguars' offense back on track, which includes Trevor Lawrence and the passing game. A strong running game keeps the offense out of predictable passing situations and can open up opportunities through the air in those manageable down-and-distance situations.
Then, within Liam Coen's offense, the running game and passing game concepts build off of each other as well, adding to the importance of being able to move the ball on the ground.
In addition to all of that, if we look at the Buccaneers' offense last season under Coen, the running backs were a key part in the passing game as well.
So, it's safe to say that having options and a robust running back room will be important for the new Jaguars' offense.
DJ Giddens NFL draft profile
For more on Giddens, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his scouting report:
"A productive runner with good size, Giddens lacks explosive elements in his game. He defies expectations as a big back who doesn’t run with heavy power. He’s a long-strider with wiggle between the tackles. He’s patient behind his blocks and quickly processes run-lane development. He’s not sudden and lacks the burst to outflank defenses, so running behind his pads and picking up the tough yardage inside might have to be his ticket into a rotation."
Highlights
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Previewing Kansas State RB DJ Giddens
Continue reading...
