The debate over whether Najee Harris would be with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 was answered when he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency earlier this month.

The void left by Harris is substantial, and the Steelers will undoubtedly need to fill it with more than just Jaylen Warren, who Pittsburgh tendered on March 10 , and former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell signed in free agency .

Name: DJ Giddens College: Kansas State Height: 6-0 Weight: 212 Class: Junior 40 time: 4.43

Stats:

From 2022 to 2024, Giddens rushed for 3,087 yards and 23 touchdowns on 517 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt for Kansas State. He also contributed 58 receptions for 679 yards and four receiving touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as a pass-catcher. Giddens emerged as a key offensive weapon over his final two seasons, combining elusiveness and vision with steady production. His reliable ball security and all-purpose ability made him a consistent contributor in the run and pass game.

Strengths:

Giddens enters the NFL as a highly elusive and intelligent runner with a rare combination of lateral agility, vision, and stop-start explosiveness—especially impressive for a back of his size. He consistently creates yards through sudden jump cuts and sharp processing, freezing defenders and adjusting mid-run without losing momentum. Giddens also brings added value as a receiver, with natural hands and refined route-running ability on various concepts, and he boasts elite ball security with just one fumble over his last 428 carries. His patience, contact balance, and ability to force missed tackles — 69 in 2023 alone — make him a versatile, high-upside addition to any NFL backfield.

Weaknesses:

While Giddens offers dynamic elusiveness and vision, he enters the NFL with several areas that need refinement. His pass protection technique is a work in progress—despite being willing, he struggles with hand placement and leverage against blitzers. As a receiver, he flashes potential but is prone to concentration drops and inconsistent route timing, occasionally rounding breaks and telegraphing his movements. Giddens also tends to run upright through contact, which limits his power and exposes him to bigger hits. His long-striding gait can delay his burst in tight spaces, reducing his effectiveness in short-area situations.

Fits with Steelers:

Giddens could be a strong fit with Pittsburgh as a versatile, change-of-pace back who complements their physical offensive identity with shiftiness and vision. His exceptional lateral agility and patience would mesh well behind Pittsburgh's (hopefully) improving offensive line, especially in zone and gap schemes that rely on backs who can set up blocks and make defenders miss. While he’s not a short-yardage bruiser, Giddens' elusiveness, reliable ball security, and receiving upside give him the tools to contribute on third downs and in space-oriented packages. With time to develop his pass protection and route precision, Giddens could carve out a valuable role in a backfield rotation, offering a dynamic contrast to the Steelers’ more downhill runners.