JACKSON: D.J. Giddens could be mid-round fit for Saints
04/17/2025
By Ross Jackson
Running back may not be high in the New Orleans Saints’ draft priority list, but with the talent available at the position and the team’s new head coach, it’s certainly a spot worth investment in this year’s draft class.
The Saints have nine selections in this year’s draft, six of which all fall within the top 131 picks. That gives the Saints a lot of ammo with which to improve multiple areas of their roster and land playmaking talent in the process.
Among those players with playmaking potential is Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens. The Wildcats rusher is a versatile player that can run inside and out and contribute to multiple areas of an offense. With the success head coach Kellen Moore found with his Philadelphia Eagles rushing attack in 2024, continuing to build around the run game makes a ton of sense. The logical approach becomes even more understandable should the team roll with a young quarterback in 2025.
DJ Giddens hits his top speed so freaking fast https://t.co/xiMbUYpX38 pic.twitter.com/YwXN4868J2
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) April 10, 2025
Why Giddens is a Good Prospect
The dynamic back has good size for the position at 6-foot and 213 pounds, but also brings a lot of speed to his game having run a 4.43 second 40-yard-dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. He shows his game speed on tape with outstanding acceleration.
He has great vision and patience and does a good job taking care of the football, as well. He flashes on tape as someone comfortable running multiple types of schemes and is a willing contributor in protection. Though, he definitely needs some polish in that area.
He amassed 4.16 rushing yards after contact per carry in 2024, an impressively tough rusher who forced 55 missed tackles per Pro Football Focus.
Some team is going to be really happy drafting DJ Giddens on day 3 pic.twitter.com/WlPlMa5QLs
— Joey Sangwich (@JoeySangwich_) April 15, 2025
Giddens’ Offseason Testing Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.43 seconds
- Vertical: 39.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-10
- Shuttle: 4.43 seconds
- 3-Cone: 7.19 seconds
- RAS: 9.78
Giddens’ Fit With the Saints
New Orleans isn’t in need of a new starting rusher with Alvin Kamara coming off of a career high in rushing yards. But a complement is still likely to be under search by New Orleans. Giddens would be able to contribute as a rotational rusher along with Kamara and the other rostered running backs with a chance to develop into a future starter when one is needed in future years.
2024 Stats
- 205 carries
- 1,343 rushing yards
- 21 rushing touchdowns
- 21 catches
- 258 receiving yards
- One touchdown reception
Draft Projection
Giddens runs the gamut as a late day two or early day three draft pick. The Saints could be in play for him anywhere from their later third round selection (93) all the way into the sixth round because of how stacked the running back class is. Perhaps the talent at tailback in this year’s draft pushes top-notch players at the position further down the draft board than expected. More than likely, the Saints would need to select him before the end of the fourth round.
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