In an era where teams seem to be devaluing the running back position more and more each season, general manager Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles doubled down this offseason.
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Even after signing Saquon Barkley, and pilfering the All-Pro via free agency from the division-rival New York Giants, the Eagles rounded back and selected Will Shipley in the fourth round of this spring’s NFL Draft, out of Clemson.
Shipley, 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, was a versatile piece of the Tigers’ offensive attack both as a big-play threat on the ground and a capable receiver out of the backfield, accounting for 468 receiving yards over the past two seasons.
Given both Shipley and Barkley’s versatility to line up in the backfield or motion into the slot, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has the opportunity to get both big-play backs on the field at the same time this season.
Will Shipley Named Philadelphia Eagles ‘Rookie to Watch’
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When the Eagles open the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens, amid the remnants of Hurricane Debby, there’s a chance Shipley sees extended reps, especially if Philadelphia limits Barkley’s playing time given the conditions.
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema lists Shipley among his ‘Rookies to Watch’ during Week 1 of the preseason.
“Early camp reports on Shipley are promising,” Sikkema writes for PFF. “He seems to be getting plenty of work, even with the first team. His all-around play style, especially as a receiver out of the backfield, appears to be setting him apart from the rest of the running backs behind Saquon Barkley. The rookie earned a 70.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of 2021, 2022 and 2023 at Clemson. We’ll see just how much the Eagles plan to use him — and in what ways — in their first preseason game.”
The backfield duo of Barkley and Shipley create optionality for an offense that desperately needs it after its struggles down the stretch last season.
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