Numerous college football players will learn their professional future this week during the 2025 NFL Draft. Among them are multiple prospects from Kansas State University, including cornerback Jacob Parrish and running back DJ Giddens.
Parrish, a two-year starter, finished his 2024 season with 50 tackles, one interception, and seven pass breakups. In 2023, he recorded three interceptions and nine pass breakups. Jacob Parrish previously declared for the draft, foregoing his senior season.
The cornerback measured 5-foot-10 and weighed 191 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, a performance that drew attention. Projections for Parrish generally place him in the third or fourth round.
DJ Giddens, a Junction City native, also left Kansas State early for the NFL Draft. He became the primary running back after Deuce Vaughn was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Giddens is third on the school's career rushing list with 3,087 yards.
Giddens carried the ball for 1,343 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns in 2024. He averaged 6.55 yards per carry that season, setting a school single-season record. He also caught 50 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns over his final two years.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 212 pounds, DJ Giddens also participated in the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds and performed well in the vertical and broad jumps among running backs.
Specific game performances highlighted Giddens' ability, including a 187-yard effort against Oklahoma State that featured a 66-yard touchdown run. He also ran for 182 yards against Colorado.
Draft projections for DJ Giddens place him anywhere from the third to the fifth round. He is widely considered a selection expected during the later stages of Friday or on Saturday.
The 2025 NFL Draft is taking place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Round 1 was held Thursday. Rounds 2 and 3 are scheduled for Friday, and Rounds 4 through 7 will conclude the event Saturday.
Reflecting on the process leading up to the draft, Giddens stated, "It feels good, but it’s out of my control at this point for who will pick me up and when I will get picked up. Right now, I just keep on working, and that’s what I’m going to keep on doing."
