DJ Giddens

Giddens saw only 18 carries across the entire 2025 season despite preseason hype as the RB2 candidate. Usage concerns suggest either poor performance, pass-catching deficiencies, or coaching preference for veteran backups on special teams.

Jonathan Taylor finished 2025 with 1,585 rushing yards and 18 TDs on the ground — an elite season that locks up the starting role. As long as Taylor is healthy, Giddens has virtually no path to meaningful volume, and Taylor is under contract through at least 2027.

Jonathan Taylor remains firmly entrenched as the lead back with dominant production (1,585 rush yards, 18 TDs). While his contract is movable in 2026, the Colts just invested heavily in the offensive line and show no signs of transitioning away from him.

Giddens was buried on the depth chart behind Jonathan Taylor, Ameer Abdullah and Tyler Goodson in his rookie season. Current 2026 depth charts show him still listed behind Taylor with competition from Goodson and Abdullah, limiting his path to touches.

If Jonathan Taylor suffers injury, Giddens immediately becomes the feature back in Indianapolis's ground-oriented system with significant arrow-up potential.

At tier 8 (1952 trade value), Giddens offers reasonable dynasty depth at a position that depreciates quickly; a low-risk lottery ticket if acquired cheaply.

Draft analysts view Giddens as Taylor's eventual successor within 1-2 seasons. His college profile (6.0 YPA, 3,087 career rush yards) and combine metrics (39.5-inch vertical, 130-inch broad jump) suggest legitimate upside if he gains consistent opportunity.

Taylor's contract reportedly becomes easier to move off of in 2026, creating a realistic scenario where the Colts pivot early on his deal. A Taylor trade or release would immediately make Giddens the lead back in a Steichen/Cooter run-first scheme.

Snap share climbed to 31% and carry share to 29% by Week 18 — likely garbage time but still showing the Colts are willing to hand him the ball when Taylor rests. Provides a baseline of trust that he can execute in the NFL.