Will Shipley, a name quietly gaining traction in fantasy circles, emerges as a critical discussion point for the upcoming 2025 fantasy football season. While his immediate standalone value might appear limited within the Philadelphia Eagles’ crowded backfield, his potential as a high-upside Saquon Barkley handcuff makes him a must-consider asset for astute fantasy managers. This analysis delves into Shipley’s profile, examining why he could become a pivotal late-round pickup.
During his collegiate tenure at Clemson, Shipley consistently showcased flashes of dynamic playmaking ability and raw athleticism. Across three impactful years, he demonstrated versatility and explosiveness, particularly during his sophomore campaign where he eclipsed 1,100 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns, complementing his ground game with valuable receiving contributions. His career statistics, including over 3,300 combined yards and 33 touchdowns, paint a picture of a productive collegiate runner with a knack for finding the end zone.
Despite a promising college career, Shipley’s transition to the NFL in 2024 saw limited opportunities, primarily due to the established presence of veteran talent. His overall running back depth chart positioning in Philadelphia initially caps his fantasy ceiling. Without a clear path to significant volume, his direct points contribution might be minimal early in the season, aligning him as a pure contingency play rather than an every-week starter.
The concept of a “handcuff” in NFL fantasy advice is fundamental: securing a backup player who would step into a lead role should the starter suffer an injury. For those investing early draft capital in Saquon Barkley, acquiring Will Shipley becomes a strategic imperative. Shipley represents the direct insurance policy for Barkley, mitigating the catastrophic impact of a potential Saquon Barkley injury on your roster’s weekly production.
However, the Eagles’ backfield isn’t solely a two-man show. The offseason acquisition of AJ Dillon introduces another layer to the team’s running back rotation. Should Barkley miss time, Dillon’s presence suggests that Shipley might not instantly ascend to a full workhorse role. Instead, a committee approach is more probable, which means Shipley’s volume, even as the primary backup, could be subject to fluctuation.
Given these dynamics, Shipley’s optimal draft slot is likely in the later rounds of 12-team formats, particularly those with deeper benches. He perfectly fits the mold of a fantasy football sleeper – a player whose current low draft capital belies his immense potential should circumstances shift in his favor. Drafting him beyond Round 14, especially if you roster Barkley, is a low-risk, high-reward proposition.
Ultimately, the savvy handcuff strategy dictates that securing a player like Will Shipley is not just about avoiding disaster; it’s about capitalizing on unforeseen opportunities. While injuries are an unfortunate reality in football, having a capable direct replacement like Shipley for a high-value asset like Saquon Barkley can be the difference between a season derailed and a championship contender. He is not merely a bench stash but a calculated wager on potential volume.
Fantasy football is inherently unpredictable, influenced by a myriad of factors from player performance to coaching decisions and, most critically, health. Understanding the intricacies of the Eagles backfield analysis reveals that Shipley’s path to relevance, though narrow, offers a substantial upside rarely found in the late stages of a fantasy draft. His explosiveness, even in limited bursts, underscores his potential to contribute meaningfully if given the chance.
Therefore, when navigating your 2025 draft boards, resist the temptation to overlook Will Shipley. He embodies the ideal late-round pick: minimal upfront cost for significant potential returns, especially for managers who have already committed to Saquon Barkley. His strategic value as an invaluable backup cannot be overstated, making him a critical piece in any comprehensive running back strategy.
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