The [Chargers](https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/) may look to add another running back to their stable in this year’s draft and if they aren’t able to land someone like North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in the first round, there will still be plenty of backs throughout day two and three that could entice the Bolts.
One of those backs could be [Kansas State](https://www.bringonthecats.com)’s DJ Giddens, an explosive 6’0, 212-pounder who ran a 4.43 40 time and posted a 39.5-inch vertical at this year’s combine. Per The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, Giddens met formally with the Chargers while in Indianapolis.
Giddens was a three-year contributor and a two-year starter for the Wildcats from 2022-2024. He broke in his first season as a starter in 2023 with 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns while chipping in 323 yards and three more scores through the air. In his final collegiate season, he set a new career high 1,343 yards to go with a team-leading seven rushing scores. His 6.55 yards per carry also broke the school’s previous record set by former Chargers running back Darren Sproles back in 2003.
When toting the rock, Giddens’ athelticism is on full display. He’s got incredible vision to know how to set up defenders, whether that’s with a stutter step, dead leg, or just a good ol’ fashion jump cut. When he bursts through the line and gets to the second level, he can make defenders miss in a phone booth before getting himself one-on-one with a safety or cornerback. His suddenness when pulling the trigger on a running lane near the line of scrimmage is truly fun to watch because he’s normally bursting through a whole that many running backs would have simply passed on for something more open with less upside.
The more I watch of Giddens, the more I could really see him fitting in with the Chargers and their power run game. He’s got a bit more juice than Najee Harris, something the team is likely looking for in a complementary back.