Rookie Profile: Will Shipley, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Will Shipley, a 5-star prospect from Weddington, North Carolina. He was so good in high school that he committed to Clemson University in his junior season. Without playing his season season due to Covid scheduling issues, Shipley ended his career at Weddington High School with over 5500 combined rushing and receiving yards and 80 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Shipley, running mate Phil Mafah came on last year, splitting rushing duties, dominating goal line work, and earning a share of receiving duties as well. When all was said and done, Shipley ended his final collegiate season with just 1071 total yards and only 7 touchdowns.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 4, Pick 27
- Shipley was drafted as the 7th running back off the board. That’s significant, even in a weaker-than-normal RB draft class.
- Shipley fell in between Bucky Irving and Ray Davis early in Day 3, but it speaks to his upside given how we view those players. He gained some slight value now that we see how the NFL views him.
Landing Spot- Philadelphia Eagles
- Outside of stud free agent acquisition Saquon Barkley, there’s plenty of space in Philly to flourish as a depth piece early on. Barkley has had his struggles with injury, so Shipley could carve out a complementary role early alongside Kenneth Gainwell as a passing-down specialist and the potential #2 back.
- In a high-powered offense, it’s interesting to consider one of the best pure pass catchers at the position potentially being utilized like a #3 wide receiver. If Ainias Smith or Harris Campbell don’t step up immediately, Shipley could work in the slot more than we expect.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Depth Running Back
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Shipley has multiple avenues to immediate playing time given the expectations of his draft capital and the subpar play of some of the presumed guys ahead of him on both the running back and wide receiver depth charts in Philadelphia. If he can prove an asset in making Kellen Moore install more multiple, he could become a valuable depth piece for fantasy squads.
I like Shipley as a ppr specialist who can work into starting fantasy lineups in certain matchups, with the potential for a larger role if there is an injury ahead of him. As a 3rd round rookie pick or a super late-round flyer in dynasty startups and redraft leagues, you could do a lot worse.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Will Shipley.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
