Pat Fantasy Dog Pound said DJ Giddens is the ideal late-round contingency play for drafters worried about another Jonathan Taylor breakdown. The tout noted that Taylor has already missed 13 games the past two seasons and that Indianapolis has quietly been searching for a between-the-tackles complement. Giddens, who posted 1,226 scrimmage yards at Kansas State last year while averaging 3.7 yards after contact, profiles as that bruiser. Pat added that Shane Steichen’s offense finished top-8 in rush EPA per play in 2023, so any back who inherits primary work could flirt with 18+ touches. At a current ADP outside the top-200 in BBM6, Giddens offers inexpensive one-for-one injury insurance and tournament-winning spike-week potential if Taylor’s ankle flares up again.

Greg Brainos said he is happily scooping DJ Giddens in the final rounds because the rookie already looks locked in as Jonathan Taylor’s direct backup. Brainos reminded listeners that Colts brass publicly stated before the draft they wanted a true No. 2 and immediately spent Day-3 capital on Giddens, a sign they were unimpressed with Trey Sermon/Evan Hull. With Indianapolis giving Taylor nearly 20 touches a game but little passing-down work, Brainos expects Shane Steichen to spell the star back more than people assume. A clear RB2 role in an offense that finished fourth in red-zone plays last year gives Giddens ‘pop weeks’ whenever Taylor misses time or the Colts land in positive game scripts. At his current free price, Brainos views him as a perfect best-ball stash who could crack weekly starting lineups in December.