Eagles HC Nick Sirianni sees some Danny Woodhead in rookie RB Will Shipley. Sirianni was with Woodhead with the Chargers from 2013 to 2016. Woodhead averaged 6.4 carries and 4.5 catches per game across those four seasons.
The Eagles selected Clemson RB Will Shipley in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A five-star recruit and the No. 2 RB in the 2021 recruiting class, Shipley had a productive three-year career at Clemson. He totaled 2,748 rushing yards, 602 receiving yards, and 33 TDs. He’s coming off a disappointing 2023 junior campaign, though, running for just 827 yards on 5.0 yards per carry. And Shipley never fared well in advanced metrics, ranking outside the top-65 RBs in Pro Football Focus’ Elusive Rating each of the last three years. That includes a 51.5 Elusive Rating this past season – 118th among 159 qualifiers. Shipley is a bit undersized at 206 pounds with just average power and long speed. Durability is a concern, too. Shipley suffered left leg and foot injuries in 2021, a concussion in 2022, and a left knee injury in 2023. He’s at his best in the passing game, where he flashes reliable hands, good vision, and plenty of make-you-miss ability. Shipley is unlikely to be a high-volume ball carrier as a pro, but his pass-catching ability could certainly make him an asset in PPR fantasy leagues. He joins an Eagles backfield that will be dominated by Saquon Barkley for the foreseeable future. Barkley is signed through the 2026 season. Shipley will battle Kenneth Gainwell for snaps behind Barkley this year.
Search
