The RB3 spot on the Eagles depth chart is something for Fantasy gamers to keep an eye on. Eagles RB2 Tank Bigsby has been great, but doesn’t possess the same all around pass-catching skillset that star starter Saquon Barkley has. The Eagles current RB3 Will Shipley (fourth round draft pick in 2024) does have a more versatile pass-catching skillset and just put it on display with a strong 2026 preseason, yet Shipley has underwhelmed when given NFL chances the last two seasons.
That brings us to Cowboys 2025 fifth round draft pick Jaydon Blue. Blue has the same skillsets, BMI, and near same physical measurements as Shipley. Albeit not as strong as Shipley, Blue is much faster (92nd percentile 4.43 40-yard dash and 72nd percentile 101.8 speed score). Blue’s lightning speed and pass-catching prowess would pair perfectly with Bigsby’s thunder if Barkley were to get injured. Blue seems a good sneaky stash at the end of rosters in dynasty leagues and someone to keep on the radar in seasonal-redraft.
An interesting nugget from Philly beat reporter Elliot Sharr-Parks of 94WIP, “The Eagles clearly liked Blue as a draft prospect, bringing him in for a Top-30 visit. Now they got him in their building just a year later on a practice spot…it won’t be easy getting him on the 53-man roster with Barkley, Bigsby and Shipley ahead of him, but Blue’s ability to be a pass-catching back plus returning kicks might get him elevated for a game sooner or later.” And if it’s been personality concerns the league has had with Blue, maybe a change of scenery in South Philly can fix that.
~Jason Diaz
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley played well ...
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (oblique) was...
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (rib) ...
Shipley was a huge contributor to the Clemson offense the entirety of his three-year career. He racked up 3,350 scrimmage yards and 33 touchdowns in his career as a Tiger. He tested great at the combine and received a relative athletic score of 9.61. Shipley comes out of college with 85 career receptions which will be a huge boost to his value.
With Kenneth Gainwell entering the final year of his deal it looks like the Eagles have found their new long-term receiving back. Shipley may struggle to find relevance right away, but his receiving skills should force him on the field eventually and he finds himself in a high-flying offense. He is worth a dynasty roster spot for a rookie third round pick.
Clemson Tigers RB Will Shipley claims to be the #1 all-purpose back in this class, and there’s no doubt. You have to love the confidence coming from the Clemson running back who in 2023 rushed for 827 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground, adding another 344 yards and two touchdowns on 31 receptions. Shipley has shown he can be a versatile player, effective as runner and a pass catcher.
Shipley officially came in at 5 ’10, 206 lbs, a tad bit smaller than some expected, and because of size and running style is looking more like a complimentary back. Shipley is an elite pass catcher and will make an immediate impact on whichever NFL and fantasy roster that he lands on.
