Who Should I Start? DJ Giddens or Trevor Etienne

Friday, February 20, 7:20 AM

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens failed to make much of an impact in his rookie season. Across nine games played, the 23-year-old recorded 26 carries for 96 yards and failed to reach the end zone. Giddens struggled to crack the Colts' active roster on game days for a sizable portion of the season, with veteran backs Tyler Goodson and Ameer Abdullah serving as the team's primary backups behind star running back Jonathan Taylor. As long as Taylor remains healthy, it will be difficult for any other Colts running back to see the field consistently. Giddens also did not record a single reception and earned just two targets in his rookie season, so he may not be positioned to play a complementary third-down role alongside Taylor. Giddens could be given a larger opportunity to prove himself in his second NFL season, but his dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction after his quiet rookie year.

Saturday, February 21, 10:22 AM

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne played a minimal role on offense in his rookie year. Across 17 games, the 21-year-old recorded 107 yards from scrimmage on just 23 touches. Etienne spent the entire year buried on the depth chart behind veteran Panthers backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. Dowdle is a free agent heading into 2026 and may not return to Carolina. However, the Panthers may be getting back 2024 second-round running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), who missed the entirety of 2025 while rehabbing from a torn ACL. Even if Dowdle signs elsewhere and Brooks' injury issues continue, Etienne did little as a rookie to prove he should be part of Carolina's long-term plans. Depending on league size and format, Etienne may not be worth stashing on dynasty rosters after his underwhelming 2025 campaign.