I’m so pumped to talk about the incoming NFL draft and the prospects within this year’s class. Especially, Will Shipley. I had some doubts about how he would combine what he could bring to the table as a potential prospect this year, but after what I’ve seen from this guy I’m convinced that he hits on all cylinders.
Shipley has proven himself as an explosive, passionate, playmaker, but possibly the most impressive thing about him is his character. It’s clear that he stands for something greater than himself, which translates onto the field. His game is unique and it’s almost breathtaking to watch the way he deals with whatever situation he’s in. His football IQ is off the charts.
One area of the field that Shipley really excels in is coordination. His football savvy is second to none, and really shows up in the passing game. That accuracy and attention to detail showed up this past season and really made a big difference in the way the offense ran for his team. I think in the NFL he’ll be able to do some great things as a pass catcher and not just as a run first player.
I think his toughness and willingness to block in the run plays very well with NFL scouts. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and do some tough stuff needed to make the team win. This past year he was called upon a few times to get out wide and make a block and he quickly flipped his momentum to land the block and keep the play moving forward.
Another area of Shipley’s that stands out is his footwork. He can really skate through other players in an agile manner and manage to make it out of almost any situation unscathed. It’s this sort of skill that I think shows that Shipley could land a starting job in the NFL fairly easily. He’s a guy who quickly notices where defenders are going and then readjusts.
Not to mention, Will Shipley also has that rare blend of being able to break down the play quickly while also imploring a type of athleticism that can’t be taught. His ability to get to the ball quickly, while also having enough control and patience to make smart decisions, is his claim to fame. He can go from zero to a hundred real quick and then relax, kind of like a ghost in the offense.
I have no doubt that Shipley could become a great player in the NFL. In terms of his mindset and commitment, he has the physical attributes to make somewhat of an impact in the league. He is an extreme hard worker and has an infectious attitude that would be welcomed in any locker room. On top of that, his work ethic is unmatched, and he’s a team player first and foremost.
Shipley’s transition from college to the pros will be determined by a lot of factors, but I’m sure he’ll have no problem adjusting. I think any team that takes a chance in Will Shipley will not regret it in the long run. He has the talent and intangibles to be successful and it’ll be fun to watch his career development over time.
I think Will Shipley’s draft stock has gone up since the NFL Combine and pro day circuit began. He performed extremely well in each event, showing off his elite athleticism and football IQ. He was also able to land a handful of interviews that teams felt very strongly about, which all but solidified his spot come April.
A lot of teams really need wide receivers this year and I’m sure that some enterprising team is making a evening call to formulate a plan for the draft. I’m sure that if someone takes a chance on Will Shipley, he’ll be able to create match-up nightmares for defensive coordinators and score some points for his team in the process.
I think that Shipley has what it takes to be a game breaker at the next level. His athleticism and explosive playmaking skills can be on full display in the NFL. His football IQ and commitment to excellence are off the chart. Plus, his work ethic and attitude is unrivaled.
I’m sure that when all the dust settles, Shipley will hear his name called on draft day. He has the skill and intangibles to make teams regret passing up on him. He could provide value lining up in the slot or outside, in the run game and even in the return game. All of those areas are areas of his game that translate to the next level.
I’m sure that if Shipley lands in the right system, given the right opportunity, he has the skills to make an immediate impact and I’m really excited to see how he performs as he takes the next step in his career. A late round sleeper pick, he just might surprise us all.