The Kansas City Chiefs are on the brink of a crucial decision in the 2025 NFL Draft. The predictions are clear — they need to address their struggles in the ground game.
The answer could come in the form of a big but elusive back who could be compared to Chuba Hubbard and James Conner. This move could be a game-changer, especially considering the issues that surfaced during their playoff run.
Round 3 Draft Prediction for Chiefs Lands Them DJ Giddens
PFSN’s Ben Rolfe had the Chiefs opting for Kansas State running back DJ Giddens with the 95th overall pick in the third round in his latest seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft.
“The Chiefs got a lot of production from Kareem Hunt when he first came in, but their lack of run game hurt them in the playoffs. Isiah Pacheco should be fully healthy for next season and slot back in as the starter. However, a dual-threat weapon like DJ Giddens could give them a reliable backup who can contribute as a runner and pass catcher,” Rolfe said.
“Giddens is a physical back but has the elusiveness to cause linebackers issues as a pass catcher. He lacks the top-end speed of some backs, but that breakaway style is not necessarily how the Chiefs’ run game operates. Giddens is a project selection, but the Chiefs are not afraid of those if they think they can contribute.”
Chiefs’ RB Situation: Why Do They Need a New RB?
The Chiefs’ run game faced challenges in the 2024 season, ranking 22nd in the NFL in average rushing yards per game and 29th in rushing yards per attempt.
The offense, which placed 12th in PFSN’s 2024 Offensive Rankings with a C+ grade during the regular season could have performed even better if not for the loss of Isiah Pacheco for most of the season and poor pass protection from the offensive line.
A more formidable ground game could not only open up play-action windows but also significantly improve the offensive line’s ability to protect Patrick Mahomes, keeping him clean and effective.
There have been discussions about potentially bringing back Kareem Hunt. When Pacheco went down with an injury, the Chiefs turned to Hunt who led the team in carries, yards, and rushing touchdowns in only eight starts. Spotrac estimates Hunt’s free agency market value is $2.6 million.
Samaje Perine led Chiefs running backs in catches and receiving yards and is a free agent. Perine’s market value is projected at a modest $1.5 million.
The annual average value (AAV) for third-round picks will be roughly $1.5 million to $1.6 million. A dual threat back that could replicate what Hunt and Perine produce for less than 40% of the salary would be a budget-friendly win for Kansas City.
Given the Chiefs’ limited space under the salary cap, ranking 24th league-wide, a budget-friendly draft pick could be the key to their future success. This constraint could influence their decision on whether to re-sign Hunt and Perine or opt for a more affordable replacement in the draft.
Giddens’ Profile and Fit With the Chiefs
Giddens brings a dual-threat capability to the Chiefs’ backfield. At 6’1″ and 212 pounds, he combines physicality with elusiveness, making him a versatile weapon as a runner and pass-catcher. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers in the passing game would be a welcomed dimension to the Chiefs’ offense.
With a fully healthy Pacheco expected to return as the starter, the Chiefs’ run game should rebound. Adding Giddens would not just provide depth but also a potential game-changer. His skill set as a receiver out of the backfield aligns perfectly with the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
Giddens’ numbers at Kansas State showcase his potential for chunk plays on the ground. He averaged almost seven yards per carry en route to more than 1,300 rushing yards in 2024 and totaled 23 touchdowns over his career with the Wildcats.
SteelersDepot.com compared Giddens to Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard because both are high-cut runners with good size and play speed, though not considered elite athletes. The Huddle viewed Giddens as a mix of Hubbard and James Conner.
NFLDraftBuzz’s player comparison tool had Giddens as a high-percentage match with Jacksonville Jaguars back Tank Bigsby and Washington Commanders workhorse Brian Robinson Jr.
By selecting Giddens in the third round, the Chiefs could secure a valuable asset to complement their passing attack and provide Mahomes with another weapon in the backfield. Addressing the run game is a priority, and Giddens could fill the void left by Hunt and Perine.
