Will Shipley 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Five-foot-eleven
Weight: 206 pounds
Position: Running back
School: Clemson
2024 NFL Draft: Will Shipley Scouting Report
As a five-star recruit coming out of high school, expectations were sky-high for Will Shipley. Considering he came to Clemson hoping to fill the shoes of Travis Etienne, it makes sense. As a true freshman, Shipley came in and led the team in rushing. In 10 games, Shipley accounted for 739 yards and 11 touchdowns off of 149 carries. His 11 scores were the second-most by a Clemson freshman since 1972 (Etienne, 13).
As a sophomore, Shipley broke out for the Tigers. In 14 games, the Clemson star amassed 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns off of 210 carries. In addition to the First-Team-All ACC honors (running back and all-purpose), he earned First-Team All-American honors at running back, all-purpose, and specialist. He became just the fourth ACC player to eclipse 11 rushing touchdowns in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
In his final season with the Tigers, Shipley was not quite as productive. He managed 827 yards and five touchdowns across 12 games. He did, however, add 244 yards receiving with two touchdowns. Shipley was voted as Team Captain prior to the 2023 season, solidifying his leadership role among the team.
In total, Shipley ran for more than 100 yards 10 times in his career. He was a multi-faceted player as well, adding 602 yards and two touchdowns off of 85 catches in his time. Shipley was also tasked with kick returns as he fielded 34 kicks for 904 yards (26.6 yards per return).
Strengths
- Team Captain
- Effective receiver out of the backfield
- Special teams versatility
- Incredibly athletic; 9.58 RAS; was three-sport athlete in high school
- Great acceleration and decision-making in the hole
- Uses a lethal one-cut with his great vision to make something out of nothing
Weaknesses
- Very light, low reps on the bench
- Has a tendency to duck his head when bracing for contact
- Not going to run anyone over, more of a “make-you-miss” back
- Doesn’t have breakaway speed, was often caught from behind
- Will likely need to improve pass protection
NFL Player Comparison: Chris Evans
Projection: Fourth Round
Best Fits: Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs
Bottom Line on Will Shipley
Versatility is the name of the game when you’re not a premium pick. As a player, you have to do everything you can to justify your place on the roster because more likely than not, there will be someone out there who can replicate your production for cheaper.
Shipley should have no issue finding a role in the NFL. He may never become the RB1 of a team’s future due to his size but he can become a solid third-down back or a change-of-pace option. He can hit the hole with precision and can also be patient to allow the lanes to develop. Perhaps his best ability is that availability. He is a serious receiving threat out of the backfield and would be a great kick return option. With the new kickoff to be implemented, getting a young, cheap, experienced player to return kicks who can find the lanes and make guys miss will be paramount.
The selection of Shipley won’t make any fanbase jump for joy (unless it’s the Panthers because of that hometown connection). However, he will be worth that day-three pick. Even if he is not going to be the bell cow, Shipley has plenty of things to make an NFL roster.
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