The NFL has a rich history of satellite backs. James White was critical to the Patriots success. Jerrick McKinnon will forever hold a special place in Chiefs fans’ hearts. Shipley might have the pass-catching ability to be the next in line, but does he have the skill set to be useful for both fantasy and his future team?
Will Shipley Dynasty Outlook – Fantasy Football
The History
Shipley’s pass-catching profile is exceptional in the class. He has three years of usage in that role, and over 30 receptions twice in a single season. Among the top receiving backs in the NFL, they almost all had over 30 receptions at some point in their college seasons. Shipley split time with another capable back while he was at Clemson, so he struggled to put together any kind of eye-popping counting stats. It should be noted that Shipley has below-average size both in terms of weight and arm length for the position, which will keep him relegated to a third-down role.
The Situation
Using current mock draft projections, Shipley is likely to go early on day three. For the running back position, that makes him a better bet than wide receivers going in the same range. Still not an ideal bet, but he would have about a 10% hit rate. With that in mind, some of the teams that could use Shipley include the Chiefs, Panthers, Chargers and Cowboys. Each of those is a great landing spot for him to be fantasy relevant. The 2024 NFL Draft is going to drive how immediately relevant he can be. Admittedly, his best role would be on the Chiefs or Chargers as a check down option.
NFC Depth Chart Breakdown Podcast
What to do With Will Shipley in Dynasty Fantasy Football
For the sickos that draft before the NFL draft, Shipley is a good late third round target. After the 12-15 wide receivers likely to go in the first three rounds and the four to six quarterbacks likely to go top 50, it’s time to hammer running backs. A back like Shipley with a clear role and a profile that matches up with projected usage is gold late in the draft. It’s unlikely he ever cracks the top 18 running backs in fantasy football, but he can be a bye week or flex fill in in deeper leagues.
Regardless of team need in the offseason, drafting for value in rookie drafts is the right move. Folks were over drafting Stetson Bennett and Kayshon Boutte because they “needed” a receiver or quarterback. Instead, after the receivers and quarterbacks with good draft capital, grab Shipley and hope he has a spike week that will let you flip him. Dynasty gamers have an aversion to running backs these days, especially in this class and in the offseason. But when one of these backs inevitably pops off for a spurt in October, they’ll be worth a second or higher next year. The 2025 running back class blows this one away, so grabbing players you can swap for ammo for next year is the right move.
Bottom line – draft Shipley in the late third/early fourth of your rookie drafts, then flip him once a spike week hits.
More Fantasy Football:
Late Round Sleeper Running Back Film Study
Main Photo Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
