DJ Giddens (IND) – RB2

- Role/sentiment now
  - Seen as Jonathan Taylor’s clear handcuff and main backup behind JT after Tyler Goodson’s injury issues.
  - Camp reports: "main backup to Jonathan Taylor"; Week 2 preseason note: he looked to have a leg up on Goodson; no clear challenger beyond late-round depth.
  - FF Hound: RB55 with top-20 upside if JT is injured; strong camp lift; value hinges on JT’s health.

- 2025 outlook and feasibility
  - Baseline (JT healthy): minimal standalone value; likely a low-end RB4/Bench stash in redraft. Expect limited weekly touches unless JT misses time; risk-reward skewed toward handcuff utility.
  - Ceiling (JT injured): high upside—potentially 15-20 carries plus 2-5 receptions per game, 100+ yards upside and possible goal-line work in bursts. In that scenario, could approach top-20 RB territory.
  - Workload dynamic: with Goodson’s injury history and Giddens’s camp status, he’d likely be the primary backup quickly if JT misses time, but the Colts could still mix in other backs.

- Draft strategy implications
  - Redraft: target as a late-round handcuff/GP stash if you’re rostering JT; not a core pick otherwise. Only draft and hold in 1- or 2-RB builds with JT on your roster.
  - Dynasty: hold as a valuable depth piece with legitimate handcuff and third-down-to-workhorse ceiling if JT moves on or loses efficiency.

- Key risks
  - JT’s durability remains the best path to Giddens’ limited standalone value.
  - Colts backfield could shift with injuries or other depth additions; Giddens’ lead as handcuff isn’t guaranteed long-term.
  - Limited standalone upside in year 1 if JT remains healthy.

- What to watch in camp/preseason
  - JT health status and workload; Giddens keeping the lead over Goodson.
  - Any shift in roles (e.g., third-down duties) or new back involvement.
  - Week-to-week with preseason performances to confirm handcuff viability.

- Bottom line
  - Giddens is a high-upside handcuff with meaningful ceiling only if JT is sidelined. In redraft, draft late if you own JT; in shallower leagues, he’s a waiver-wire watch until clearer usage emerges. Dynasty players should stash as a hedge with the potential to start if JT departs or suffers a long-term injury.