Giddens is the kind of dual-threat athlete that Kyle Shanahan can get the most out of.
With the NFL Draft just weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers are zeroing in on Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens as a potential fourth-round pick to shore up their injury-plagued backfield. After a 2024 season derailed by injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo, the 49ers are desperate for a dynamic running back to keep their offense humming. Giddens, a 212-pound speedster with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and slick receiving skills, has scouts buzzing—but comparisons to McCaffrey are sparking heated debate. Is Giddens the dual-threat weapon Kyle Shanahan needs, or is the hype setting him up for a fall?
Giddens’ Rising Stock
Giddens has emerged as a standout in a stacked running back class. His college stats at Kansas State—1,226 rushing yards and 323 receiving yards in his final season—highlight his versatility. At the NFL Combine, he clocked a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash, showcasing the explosiveness that makes him a nightmare in open space. His 11.7 yards per reception prove he’s no ordinary checkdown back; Giddens can run routes and stretch defenses downfield.
NFL insiders project Giddens as a mid-fourth-round pick, but 49ers fans are already dreaming big. Posts on X call him “McCaffrey’s clone,” with some predicting he’ll be the steal of the draft. Shanahan’s offense, which thrives on yards after the catch, seems like a perfect fit for Giddens’ elusive, playmaking style. “He’s got that wiggle and burst you can’t teach,” said one NFC scout. “Shanahan could turn him into a weapon.”
The McCaffrey Shadow
The comparisons to McCaffrey, however, are raising eyebrows. McCaffrey, the 2023 NFL scrimmage yards leader, is a once-in-a-generation talent whose blend of vision, durability, and football IQ sets him apart. Giddens, while promising, is an untested rookie who faced Big 12 defenses, not NFL front-sevens. “Calling him the next McCaffrey is unfair,” said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “He’s got the tools, but McCaffrey’s polish is on another level.”
Critics point to Giddens’ frame—212 pounds—as a potential concern against the NFL’s bruising defenses. His college production, while strong, doesn’t match McCaffrey’s Stanford dominance. And with the 49ers’ fanbase hungry for a savior after last season’s offensive struggles, Giddens could face intense scrutiny if he doesn’t deliver right away. “The hype is real, but so is the pressure,” said a league source close to the 49ers.
Can Giddens Deliver?
For Giddens to succeed, he won’t need to be McCaffrey—just a reliable cog in Shanahan’s machine. The 49ers have a knack for turning mid-round backs like Raheem Mostert and Elijah Mitchell into stars, and Giddens’ skill set aligns with their vision. His ability to catch passes and evade defenders could make him an instant third-down threat, easing the burden on an aging McCaffrey.
Still, challenges loom. Giddens must master Shanahan’s intricate playbook, which demands precision from running backs in both pass protection and route-running. He’ll also face a crowded backfield, with Guerendo and possibly other rookies vying for snaps in training camp. Staying healthy will be key, as the 49ers can’t afford another injury-prone back.
What’s Next?
The Giddens buzz underscores the 49ers’ urgent need to rebuild their running game. Whether he becomes a star or a complementary piece, his arrival could signal a shift toward a more balanced, resilient offense. For now, the McCaffrey comparisons are fueling excitement—and skepticism. As one X user put it: “Giddens doesn’t need to be CMC. He just needs to be Giddens.”
With the draft clock ticking, all eyes are on whether the 49ers will bet on Giddens to spark their offense. One thing’s clear: the hype train is rolling, and it’s up to Giddens to prove he belongs.
The 49ers probably will draft another running back in Round 4 this year.
Last year, they drafted running back Isaac Guerendo at the end of Round 4, and he had a promising rookie season, but he couldn’t carry the offense when Christian McCaffrey was out. Both McCaffrey and Guerendo had lots of injuries last season. And without a dominant running back, the 49ers offense falls apart.
Which means the 49ers almost certainly will take a running back no later than Round 4. Don’t be surprised if they take D.J. Giddens from Kansas State.
Giddens currently is projected to get drafted in the middle of Round 4 because this year’s class of running backs is incredibly deep. At the Combine, he ran a 4.43 at 212 pounds, so he’s fast. He also has burst with his first few steps and he’s explosive. And he’s one of the most elusive running backs in the draft.
In addition, he’s a terrific receiver. In college, he averaged 11.7 yards per reception, which shows that he wasn’t just a mere checkdown target. He’s a receiver who can run routes and catch passes downfield, similar to McCaffrey.
With the ball in his hands, Giddens almost always makes the first defender miss in space. That’s the mark of a successful player. He should fit right into the 49ers’ offense that depends so heavily on yards after the catch.
Giddens is the kind of dual-threat athlete that Kyle Shanahan can get the most out of.