Who Should I Start? DJ Giddens or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Tuesday, July 29, 12:53 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens has had a strong start to training camp and looks like the RB2 behind workhorse Jonathan Taylor. Giddens has ripped off a few highlights on cutback runs as the pads have come on in practice. Head coach Shane Steichen has provided glowing reviews of the team's 2025 fifth-round pick, saying, "he's kind of a glider." He continues gushing about his burst and vision, as well as his ability to thrive on outside zone runs. The Kansas State product is seen as a potential third-down back who has the ability to be dynamic as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield, with Steichen noting his "natural" hands. As part of a really strong 2025 running back class, Giddens has a strong collegiate profile with a career 6.0 yards per carry at Kansas State. He is one of the more valuable handcuffs in fantasy this year behind Jonathan Taylor.

Tuesday, July 29, 1:14 PM

Washington Commanders rookie seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is getting reps with quarterback Jayden Daniels and the first-team offense in the no-huddle session during Tuesday's training camp practice. It's something worth watching for the 245th overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft back in April. The 24-year-old had 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2023 at New Mexico but then ran into eligibility issues in 2024 after transferring to Arizona and played in one game. It's the reason why he fell to the final round of the draft, although he does have some intrigue as a between-the-tackles bruiser. As long as Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. are healthy, Croskey-Merritt figures to compete the No. 3 change-of-pace role with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can likely ignore him.