The Eagles selected running back Will Shipley with the 127th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Philadelphia acquired this pick, sending Houston a 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 123 overall) in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 127 overall) and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
“I’m going in there and I’m going to work my butt off and do what I’m told,” said Shipley in his first press conference as an Eagle, “so that I can just continue to gain the respect of my teammates and my coaches.”
Shipley (5-11, 206 pounds) is a versatile running back who can be explosive as a runner, a pass catcher, and a kick returner. He spent three years at Clemson, tallying 3,249 total yards of offense and 34 total touchdowns. The 21-year-old was the lead kick returner for Clemson, racking up 904 return yards and averaging 26.6 yards per kick return during his college career.
In 2023, the Weddington, North Carolina native was the first Power 5 player since Christian McCaffrey (2014-16) to have 2,500+ rushing yards, 500+ receiving yards, and 900+ kickoff return yards in a three-season span. This came a year after Shipley became the first Power 5 player to have 1,150+ rushing yards, 200+ receiving yards, and 300+ kickoff return yards in a season since new teammate Saquon Barkley in 2017.
“Will has exceptional talent that makes him special from the rest because not only can he run the rock, but he is a guy you can move all around the field,” said Clemson Running Backs Coach C.J. Spiller. “He brings special teams value, so I know he will have an immediate impact. They are getting a five-star person. His leadership skills are what set him apart from everyone else and I know the entire building and community will love him.”
The fourth-round pick heard from Barkley just minutes after getting drafted by the Eagles. Shipley admired Barkley’s game growing up, following him at Penn State and during his first six seasons in the league. “Get ready to work” was the message from Barkley, who signed with the Eagles as a free agent on March 14.
Shipley is also familiar with the City of Brotherly Love. His older brother, James, plays on the University of Pennsylvania lacrosse team. He and his family have spent plenty of time in Philadelphia.
“When the call came through from Philadelphia, I could not have been more ecstatic,” Shipley said. “I am up there all the time catching as many of his games as I can, and I have gained a love for the City of Philly. It could not be a better spot for my family. I’m ready to get to work and could not be more proud to be a Philadelphia Eagle.”
