Colts Backfield Breakdown: PFF Grades, Depth Battles, and 2025 Outlook

When the 2025 NFL season rolls in, the Indianapolis Colts will once again look to build their offensive identity around the ground game. That’s not exactly breaking news—but the story brewing in Indy is deeper than just Jonathan Taylor toting the rock. With questions surrounding depth, versatility, and pass-catching out of the backfield, the Colts’ running back room is up for evaluation.

And who better to help us dig into that than Pro Football Focus (PFF)? But before we get too caught up in the numbers, a quick disclaimer: PFF grades aren’t gospel. They’re a valuable tool, but far from the definitive voice in player performance. Think of them more as a spotlight—they highlight areas to watch, but don’t necessarily tell the whole story.

Now, let’s mix things up a bit and go beyond the obvious. It’s not just about Taylor anymore. The Colts' front office, led by GM Chris Ballard, made it clear back at the NFL Combine: this team needs more from its backup running backs.

🧩 A Look Into PFF’s Grading System (To Set the Scene)

Before we jump into the actual grades, here’s how PFF breaks down performance:

• 90.0+: Elite

• 80–89.9: High Quality

• 70–79.9: Good

• 60–69.9: Above Average

• 50–59.9: Average

• 40–49.9: Below Average

• 39.9 or lower: Poor

Keep that chart handy, because some of these numbers will surprise you.

💥 Jonathan Taylor: The Superstar with a “Meh” Grade?

• PFF Grade: 57.1

• Rank: 49th out of 50 qualified backs

Yes, you read that right. Despite rushing for the fourth-most yards in the NFL and averaging 4.7 yards per carry (11th-best in the league), PFF gave Taylor a mediocre score.

Why? It all comes down to the advanced data. PFF cited his lack of elusiveness—Taylor simply didn’t make defenders miss at a high enough rate to boost his grade. But let’s not pretend that makes his season a disappointment. He was still a force, especially in critical moments when the offense needed a jolt. Still, it does show he has areas to sharpen heading into 2025.

🚨 Backup Battle: Who Will Make the 53-Man Cut?

With the modern NFL norm being just three rostered running backs, the competition in Indy is going to be tight. Only two backup spots are realistically up for grabs, and right now, there are at least four players in the mix:

🔹 Tyler Goodson: Underrated & Efficient

• PFF Grade: 61.2 (57th/132)

• 2024 Stats: 32 carries, 4.8 YPC, 1 TD

Goodson may have only seen action while Taylor was sidelined, but he made the most of his opportunities. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry over two seasons in Indy—impressive in limited reps. While not flashy, Goodson looks like a dependable depth piece who can step up without missing a beat.

🔹 Khalil Herbert: The Bounce-Back Candidate?

• PFF Grade: 52.0 (127th/132)

• 2024 Stats: 36 carries, 3.6 YPC, 1 TD, 1 fumble

After being traded mid-season, Herbert struggled to find his rhythm. He flashed potential in past years with the Bears, but in 2024? Not great. Still, if he can return to his earlier form, his experience might earn him a shot. He’s a bit of a wild card—could be cut or could be a surprise contributor.

🔹 DJ Giddens: College Star with NFL Potential

• PFF Grade (College): 75.7

• College Stats: Over 1,200 yards each of last 2 seasons, 6.0 YPC, 72 passing targets

Giddens is the kind of back who gets you excited. He ran wild in college and proved he can catch the ball too—something the Colts have sorely missed. His zone-read experience also fits well with Indy’s offensive scheme. If he flashes in preseason, don’t be shocked if he jumps the depth chart.

🔹 Ulysses Bentley IV: Don’t Sleep on the Speedster

• PFF Grade (College): 77.9

• 2024 Stats: 84 carries, 419 yards, 5.0 YPC

Bentley is another intriguing rookie option. His peak season came back in 2020 when he racked up 913 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. While he’s not the most experienced pass-catcher (just 25 targets in the last two years), his 7.7 yards per catch average shows he can make plays in space. He’s a true dark horse for that third running back slot.

🚫 Salvon Ahmed: No 2024 Reps, No Grade

Ahmed didn’t see the field last year, and while he’s got some NFL experience under his belt, the lack of usage in 2024 puts him firmly on the bubble. He’ll need a big camp to avoid the cut list.

💡 What the Colts Need Most in 2025:

• Pass-Catching Threats: One of the biggest gaps in Indy’s backfield has been their inability to consistently catch the ball. This phase was virtually non-existent last season, and that needs to change.

• Reliable Depth: Whether it’s Giddens or Goodson, the Colts can’t afford to have another year where the offense falls flat when Taylor isn’t at 100%.

• Versatility: With a QB room still finding its rhythm, the more flexible the backfield is, the better it will support the offense as a whole.

🔄 Recap: Colts RBs by PFF Grade (for quick reference)

⚠️ Final Thoughts: It’s Taylor...and Then What?

Jonathan Taylor is still “The Guy.” No debate. But the Colts can’t lean on him forever—not in a league where running back depth often spells the difference between playoff contention and a forgettable season.

The battle behind him will be one of the more intriguing storylines of Colts training camp. Will DJ Giddens’ college explosiveness translate? Can Goodson take another step forward? Or will a sleeper like Bentley surprise everyone?

One thing’s for sure: If the Colts want to maximize their offensive potential in 2025, they need to get this backfield figured out—and fast.