Fantasy Football Expert Shocks Fans by Snubbing Kansas State Star Running Back DJ Giddens from List of Top RB Prospects—Is This a Massive Oversight or a Sign of Bigger Concerns for His NFL Future?
A Controversial Omission Shakes Up Fantasy Football Rankings
Fantasy football analysts play a crucial role in shaping public perception about upcoming NFL prospects. Their rankings influence draft strategies, dynasty league decisions, and even how NFL teams view certain players. That’s why the recent omission of Kansas State running back DJ Giddens from a well-known fantasy football expert’s list of top RB prospects has sent shockwaves through the football community.
Giddens, who had a breakout season with the Wildcats, was widely expected to be among the most coveted running backs in this year’s draft class. His blend of power, agility, and vision made him one of the most productive backs in college football, leading many to believe he would transition smoothly into the NFL. However, his exclusion from the expert’s rankings has led to widespread debate.
Is this a glaring oversight, or are there legitimate concerns about Giddens’ NFL potential that fans and scouts have overlooked? In this in-depth analysis, we’ll break down Giddens’ skill set, examine the reasons behind his snub, and explore whether he still has a path to becoming an elite fantasy football asset.
DJ Giddens’ College Dominance: A Star in the Making?
Before diving into why he was left off the rankings, it’s essential to recognize what made DJ Giddens such a dominant force at Kansas State.
1. Explosive Playmaker
Giddens consistently showcased his ability to break off big runs, using a combination of vision and acceleration to turn routine plays into game-changing moments. His explosive burst allowed him to outrun defenders in the open field, making him a home-run threat every time he touched the ball.
2. Versatile Skill Set
Unlike some college running backs who thrive in only one area, Giddens proved to be a well-rounded player. He demonstrated the ability to be an every-down back, excelling not only as a pure rusher but also as a receiving option out of the backfield. His pass-catching skills made him a valuable weapon in Kansas State’s offense, something that should translate well to the NFL.
3. Physical Running Style
Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 210 pounds, Giddens possesses the size and strength to absorb contact and fight for extra yards. He routinely broke tackles and turned what should have been short gains into significant plays. His physicality made him especially effective in goal-line situations, an area where many fantasy football managers place high value.
4. Consistency and Durability
One of the most overlooked aspects of a running back’s success is their ability to stay on the field. Giddens remained relatively healthy throughout his college career, proving that he can handle a heavy workload. His durability should have made him a highly coveted prospect for teams in need of a reliable back.
Given these attributes, it seemed like a no-brainer that Giddens would be ranked among the top RB prospects for fantasy football purposes. Yet, the expert’s decision to exclude him suggests there may be underlying concerns.
Why Did the Fantasy Expert Leave Giddens Off the List?
So why was Giddens left out? After digging into the analysis provided by the expert, several key factors appear to have influenced the controversial decision.
1. Lack of Elite Speed
While Giddens has solid acceleration, one of the biggest criticisms he has faced is his lack of elite top-end speed. In today’s NFL, many of the most successful fantasy running backs—like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and Breece Hall—possess breakaway speed that allows them to turn small creases into huge gains. Giddens, while explosive in short bursts, may not have the long speed to consistently outrun NFL defenders.
2. Questionable Pass Protection
One of the most overlooked aspects of a running back’s transition to the NFL is their ability to protect the quarterback in passing situations. Giddens struggled at times in pass protection, which could make it difficult for him to stay on the field for third downs. Many NFL teams are hesitant to give major playing time to backs who can’t pick up blitzes effectively, and fantasy managers often prioritize players who have an every-down role.
3. Competition in the Draft Class
This year’s draft class is stacked with talented running backs, including names like TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Blake Corum (Michigan), and Raheim Sanders (Arkansas). Some analysts believe Giddens may be overshadowed by these higher-profile prospects, making it less likely that he will land in a favorable situation where he can immediately thrive as a fantasy asset.
4. Limited National Exposure
Kansas State has produced several high-level NFL talents, but the program doesn’t receive the same level of national attention as some of the SEC or Big Ten powerhouses. As a result, Giddens didn’t have as many high-profile games against elite competition, which may have hurt his stock in the eyes of some analysts.
5. Uncertainty About Workload in the NFL
Some scouts believe that while Giddens has the potential to be a lead back, he may start his NFL career in a committee role. If he is drafted by a team that already has an established running back, his fantasy value could be significantly diminished, at least in the short term.
Did the Expert Get It Wrong?
Despite the concerns listed above, many fans and analysts believe leaving Giddens off the rankings entirely was a mistake. While he may not be a flawless prospect, his skill set suggests he has the tools to be a productive NFL running back.
1. NFL Running Back Success Isn’t Always About Speed
While top-end speed is valuable, it’s not the only factor that determines a running back’s success. Some of the league’s most productive backs—such as Najee Harris and David Montgomery—aren’t known for their elite speed but thrive due to their vision, physicality, and ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces.
2. Improvement in Pass Protection
Pass blocking is a skill that can be developed with proper coaching. If Giddens dedicates himself to improving in this area, he could erase one of the biggest concerns about his transition to the NFL.
3. Potential for a Strong Landing Spot
One of the most important aspects of a running back’s fantasy football value is the situation they enter in the NFL. If Giddens is drafted by a team with a strong offensive line and a commitment to the running game, he could immediately become a productive player, regardless of where he was ranked in pre-draft fantasy analysis.
4. Fantasy Football Success Isn’t Just About Rankings
Every year, running backs emerge as surprise fantasy football stars despite being overlooked in pre-draft rankings. Recent examples include Kyren Williams (Rams) and Isiah Pacheco (Chiefs), both of whom weren’t viewed as elite prospects but became major fantasy contributors. Giddens could follow a similar path if he lands in the right situation.
Where Does Giddens Go From Here?
Despite being snubbed from the rankings, Giddens still has a clear path to NFL success. The pre-draft process—including the NFL Combine, Pro Day workouts, and team interviews—will be crucial in determining where he lands. If he performs well in these settings, he could easily boost his draft stock and prove the doubters wrong.
For fantasy football managers, keeping an eye on his draft destination will be key. If he ends up on a team with a clear need at running back and an offensive scheme that fits his skill set, he could immediately become a valuable asset.
Final Verdict: A Snub That Could Fuel His Success?
While being left off a major fantasy expert’s rankings may seem like a setback, it could ultimately serve as motivation for Giddens. Many of the NFL’s greatest players have used perceived slights as fuel to elevate their game, and Giddens could do the same.
As draft day approaches, one thing is clear—DJ Giddens has the talent to be a successful NFL running back. Whether or not fantasy experts recognize that now, his performance on the field will ultimately be the deciding factor.
And if he proves the doubters wrong? The fantasy football world may look back on this ranking omission as one of the biggest misjudgments of the year.
