The Chargers might look to bolster their running back depth in this year’s draft. If they miss out on a top prospect like North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in the first round, they will still have plenty of options on days two and three.
One potential target is Kansas State’s DJ Giddens, a dynamic 6’0″, 212-pound back who impressed at the combine with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical. According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, Giddens had a formal meeting with the Chargers in Indianapolis.
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Giddens contributed for three seasons at Kansas State, serving as a starter in 2023 and 2024. In his first year as the lead back, he racked up 1,226 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 323 receiving yards and three more scores.
He followed that up with a career-best 1,343 rushing yards and a team-high seven touchdowns in 2024. His 6.55 yards per carry set a new school record, surpassing former Chargers running back Darren Sproles’ 2003 mark.
On the field, Giddens’ athleticism stands out. He possesses great vision, using moves like stutter steps, dead legs, and jump cuts to set up defenders.
Once he breaks through the line, he’s elusive in tight spaces and can make defenders miss before taking on a safety or cornerback one-on-one. His quick decision-making near the line of scrimmage allows him to burst through gaps that many backs might overlook.
The more I watch Giddens, the more I see him fitting in with the Chargers’ power running scheme. He offers more explosiveness than Najee Harris, which could make him an appealing complementary piece in their backfield.
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