Pro Football Focus recently ranked the Indianapolis Colts' running back unit as the 16th best in the NFL, indicating a mid-level performance. While Jonathan Taylor returned to form with a solid 1,400-yard rushing season in 2024, he also recorded a career-low 57.1 PFF overall grade. This drop is attributed to his struggles in breaking tackles despite his high yardage. The Colts bolstered their backfield by acquiring Khalil Herbert, who has also faced challenges in his career.

Moreover, the selection of DJ Giddens in the fifth round is seen as a promising addition, given his impressive 93.4 rushing grade at Kansas State. The Colts' depth appears improved from the previous season, but Taylor will need to validate his capabilities beyond relying on excellent blocking to increase his overall value in fantasy leagues.

Rookie running back DJ Giddens has made his debut in an Indianapolis Colts uniform following the team's recent minicamp. Drafted in the fifth round from Kansas State, Giddens looks to provide additional support in the backfield, particularly as the team seeks to bolster their production behind star running back Jonathan Taylor. With over 1,200 rushing yards in his last collegiate season, Giddens is poised to be an impactful presence for the Colts this upcoming season.

As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, two Indianapolis Colts rookies are gaining attention: Tyler Warren and DJ Giddens. ESPN's Matt Bowen highlighted Warren as a player to watch, emphasizing his ability to impact the Colts' passing game significantly. With over 100 receptions and 1,200 yards in his final season at Penn State, Warren is well-poised to take on a substantial role, particularly in PPR leagues. His physicality allows him to be a versatile option for quarterbacks, though concerns about the Colts' quarterback situation may temper expectations for re-draft leagues. On the other hand, Giddens brings a dynamic running style and is expected to complement the Colts' backfield, making him a worthwhile late-round pick for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters.

As the NFL offseason transitions from free agency and the draft to training camp, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for best ball and dynasty drafts. With a surplus of talented running backs overlooked in this year’s draft, several sleeper candidates have emerged, particularly for dynasty leagues. DJ Giddens of the Indianapolis Colts stands out with impressive stats from his time at Kansas State, showing potential as a significant contributor in the Colts' backfield alongside Jonathan Taylor.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, despite limited college exposure, has shown promise during the pre-draft process and could carve out a role with the Washington Commanders. Tahj Brooks has also caught attention with a dominant late-college career, finding a place with the Cincinnati Bengals. The New Orleans Saints' Devin Neal and Green Bay Packers' MarShawn Lloyd offer intriguing options worth monitoring as well.

DJ Giddens, the fifth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, has signed a four-year contract valued at $4.624 million, which includes a signing bonus of $424,744. The contract is structured according to the rookie wage scale, meaning his annual cap hit will be prorated at approximately $106,186 each year.

In the first year, Giddens will earn a base salary of $840,000, followed by an increase to $1.005 million in the second year. The increments continue, reaching $1.235 million in the final year, allowing the Colts to manage their salary cap effectively while providing Giddens a solid foundation as he develops within their offense.