The Indianapolis Colts put together what looks to be a solid draft in 2025. One late-round pick that had Colts fans elated was the fifth-round selection of Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens, because of the juice he can give the running back room.
It's no secret what Jonathan Taylor can do, but the sad reality is that he's struggled to stay healthy in recent years, so the Colts need to find a solid backup behind him. Giddens can be just that.
That's not-so-good news for recent Colts free-agent signing Khalil Herbert, who signed with Indianapolis at the beginning of free agency. Herbert joined the Colts to be that key backup for Taylor, but Giddens' presence definitely threatens his spot on the depth chart.
Colts' D.J. Giddens pick puts Khalil Herbert's roster spot in jeopardy
Herbert had his best pro seasons early in his career when he was with the Bears, rushing for a career-high 731 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. Herbert was traded to Cincinnati in 2024, where he didn't do as much as the Bengals were hoping for.
Shifting to Giddens, he was a monster for Kansas State, rushing for 1,343 yards and seven touchdowns, and adding 258 receiving yards along with one receiving touchdown. He clearly has potential, and will give Herbert a run for his money in training camp and preseason.
The Colts had a great running game a season ago, finishing eighth in the league in yards per game and Giddens only helps them improve there. It was smart of the team to pick up Herbert in free agency but even smarter for them to snag a running back like Giddens, who was great value in the fifth round.
The hope is that Taylor can remain healthy all season long but if he does get nicked up, Giddens and Herbert will be battling it out this summer to see who will be first to step in if that happens.