Latest news with #WillShipley
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
One player from every NFC team who fantasy football managers should be watching in NFL training camp
Dallas Cowboys - Jaydon Blue The Cowboys' rookie running back caught some negative rumors over the weekend and even took to social media to reassure his doubters that he'd quiet the noise. Blue has every opportunity in the world to leap up the Cowboys' running back depth chart this summer, if he puts in the work. His 127th overall ADP on Yahoo is still reasonable, as you can just drop him if he doesn't earn an early-season role. His range of outcomes is quite wide — a possible value starting back to a healthy scratch on game day — and we should get some clues as to which path he'll wander in the coming weeks. New York Giants - Cam Skattebo I'd imagine that the Giants enter training camp with an open mind as to who will start at running back between Skattebo and last year's rookie, Tyrone Tracy. Odds are that this ends up being some form of a committee, which would make both guys tough to start on an offense not projected to score many points. Not to mention, veteran Devin Singletary is still on this roster. If Skattebo has a great camp, he could push Singletary off the roster but that's being treated far too much as a given right now in the fantasy streets. A three-way split backfield in New York would be an impossible puzzle to solve with no good, rewarding picture at the end. Philadelphia Eagles - Will Shipley The Eagles are set at all the skill position spots and only have a right guard vacancy on their much-praised offensive line. We don't have much fantasy mystery with this squad. The one man to watch may be someone most gamers hope to see very little of in 2025, because Shipley getting run would mean something happened to Saquon Barkley. While we don't wish injury on anyone, it is critical to know who is the next man up for an Eagles offense that has a strong rushing ecosystem and a lead back who touched the ball over 400 times last year. Washington Commanders - Deebo Samuel I don't have a strong stance on how Samuel will perform with the Commanders this season. I view him as a player in serious decline but believe how he will be deployed as a short-area and screen-based threat in Kliff Kingsbury's offense could help stave off the cliff. His ADP of 103rd overall doesn't require you to take a strong stance one way or the other. It's worth tracking how he looks and is deployed in training camp to determine if he's worth taking a chance on in the later rounds. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Chicago Bears - Luther Burden I hate when rookie wide receivers miss time in their first offseason. It's just so easy to fall behind. Burden missed almost all of the Bears' offseason to this point after a soft tissue injury early in rookie minicamp. However, he has every opportunity to change the course of his rookie season and make up ground if he's able to fully participate in training camp. Burden has a chance to earn a big role and shake up the Bears' wide receiver room. If he's slow out to get rolling early in his first season because he's still working back, there may not be much playing time behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze in what should be a 12-personnel-heavy offense. Detroit Lions - Tate Ratledge The Lions are one of the teams with a pretty set-in-stone group of skill-position players, and most fantasy gamers are concerned with what the unit will look like without Ben Johnson calling the plays. However, the offensive line got a big shakeup when All-Pro center Frank Ragnow retired last month. Detroit wasn't totally caught off guard here and are set to have rookie guard Tate Ratledge slide over to start at center. Not only is Ratledge a rookie but he didn't play the position in college. His progress at the spot is a significant pivot point for how the this offense will perform this season. Green Bay Packers - Matthew Golden The Packers' passing offense would be most dangerous if Golden and Jayden Reed were the top two guys in the pecking order and on the field for over 75% of the snaps every week. This team has leaned more into a rotation approach the last two seasons and the receiver room is still quite crowded on paper. Golden needs to have a great camp to solidify himself as the starting flanker and push some challengers to the side. I think we're all over-indexing on how run-heavy the Packers were last season. It's created some real possible value with both Reed and Golden. Minnesota Vikings - J.J. McCarthy Total layup here; you can argue that McCarthy might be the most important player to watch in any camp this summer. The second-year quarterback didn't play as a rookie after a season-ending August and now inherits a playoff-hopeful team with a fantastic offensive ecosystem. After upgrades made to the offensive line, you can argue Minnesota is even better set up for success in 2025 than last year. While Sam Darnold wasn't as good as his stats indicate, he still led one of the most productive pass games in the league. We should be rightly glued to every McCarthy rep this summer to see if he can come close to matching that production in his first year as the starter. Atlanta Falcons - Michael Penix Jr. We got a brief look at Penix in the final three games of last season. The product on the field was a bit volatile as his accuracy concerns reared their head but he also produced some highlight reel moments. Penix's progress in his first full season as the starter will matter a ton to RB Bijan Robinson and WR Drake London, both of whom leave fantasy drafts quite early. Penix's arm strength can help this scoring unit reach a ceiling they haven't touched yet. New Orleans Saints - Chris Olave Olave is one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL on per route basis since he entered the NFL. He's just missed time with concussions and played in slow-paced offenses that don't run a ton of plays. Kellen Moore's offense will fix the latter, as he routinely calls fast-paced units. However, we should use training camp to track the reports on Olave's health and role in the offense. There's a chance he is featured in ways that will create more layup throws than he's used to seeing so far in his career. We can't know how the health issues will play out until we get to game day but training camp can still be a useful fact-finding mission for a talented wide receiver fantasy managers aren't drafting anywhere close to where he's gone the previous two seasons. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Emeka Egbuka We already got a pretty substantial clue in the Bucs' wide receiver room, as Chris Godwin is still working his way back to participate fully in training camp. Any absence from the big-name Bucs wideouts would create an opportunity for Egnuka to make strides forward. He appeared completely buried when originally drafted by Tampa Bay but there's more of a path to immediate playing time than it seems on the surface, even if he does settle in as the WR3. Egbuka has drawn rave reviews in Tampa so far, and if that momentum continues, he'll be a fine bench player in fantasy with the upside to crack starting lineups if Godwin or Mike Evans miss any time. Carolina Panthers - Tetairoa McMillan Rookie receivers are usually one of the best discount targets to take in fantasy football but depending on your draft room, it might be tough to get any such bargain for McMillan in this year. The Panthers' rookie leaves the board at 84th overall in Yahoo drafts right now but he goes closer to 50th overall in best ball drafts. If McMillan has a strong summer, there's a chance he climbs closer to that true WR2 designation by the time August comes to close. No matter what, McMillan's ADP implies he's the Panthers' clear WR1 and a Day 1 starter at the X-receiver spot. I'm betting that's the case but we can use training camp to confirm that for certain. Los Angeles Rams - Kyren Williams We're in the second straight offseason of fantasy analysts projecting a rookie back nipping at the heels of Williams, with Jarquez Hunter playing the role Blake Corum held last season. I'm open to Hunter or even Corum mixing into this offense more because Williams wasn't all that explosive last season and left some big plays on the field. However, we have little-to-no real indication from this team they want to minimize Williams' role as the workhorse back. That could change over the next month, which would then make Williams' RB12 ADP a little tough to stomach. For now, it's nothing more than a theoretical worry. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. We've talked about Marvin Harrison Jr. needing to see his deployment mixed up a little for the last 10 months after he played almost all of his rookie season as an X-receiver with a vertical-based route tree. Now, we're about to enter the time of the calendar where we might finally get some clues in discovering whether any change will likely occur. I want to read reports of Harrison moving around the formation, being weaponized with motion and taking reps in the slot. It isn't the only domino that needs to fall in order for Harrison to unlock his ceiling but it's a key first step. San Francisco 49ers - Ricky Pearsall Pearsall is one of my favorite breakout candidates after he finished last season dominating man coverage and playing so well in a multi-dimensional role for the 49ers. With Brandon Aiyuk coming back from a major injury, Pearsall is in a fantastic position to earn a ton of targets on an offense we know will be hyper-productive. However, he needs to be healthy and participate in camp to come through on that promise. Pearsall is currently on the active/PUP list but can be removed at any time. Let's hope he gets rolling soon and has a much cleaner summer than last year, as he's one of my favorite late-round wide receiver targets. Seattle Seahawks - Kenneth Walker Walker is by no means some screaming sleeper with a 45th overall ADP and an RB16 consensus ranking for most of the summer. However, there's room for upside as a back going outside the top 15 at the position. The Seahawks' run game should see a boost with Klint Kubiak taking over for Ryan Grubb as the offensive coordinator, along with improved play likely coming along the offensive line. The starting running back for this team could jump to clear RB1 status and be a significant win for those who take a chance. We just need to confirm in camp that Walker has a commanding hold on the lead back role, which is what early ADP suggests with Zach Charbonnet going outside the top-110 picks overall.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Stock up or Stock Down: How the Eagles offense changed this offseason
With the changes at running back, offensive guard and offensive coordinator, we're doing a stock report for Kevin Patullo's retooled offense in Philadelphia Philadelphia has moved past Super Bowl 59 and is locked in on having a singular focus on the 2025 NFL regular season. Howie Roseman orchestrated another roster makeover in free agency, the 10-player NFL Draft, and several talented undrafted free agents. The Organized Team Activities and now the Mandatory Minicamp have concluded, and Philadelphia is halfway through a five-week break before returning to the NovaCare Complex. Training Camp begins in late July, with July 22 as the report day, followed by a practice on July 23. Although a surprise move or two could still be on the way, the majority of the work has been completed. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia. With the changes at running back, offensive guard, and offensive coordinator, we're doing a stock report for Kevin Patullo's retooled offense in Philadelphia. QB 2024:Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kenny Pickett 2025: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord, Dorian Thompson-Robinson Hurts is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and he'll enter 2025 with his fourth offensive coordinator in five years with the Eagles. After Kenny Pickett was traded to Cleveland, Tanner McKee became the unquestioned backup quarterback. At the same time, Dorian Thompson-Robinson offered an athletic option at No. 3. Things got even more interesting after Howie Roseman drafted Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord with pick No. 181 in the sixth round. The St. Joe's Prep star attended Ohio State before transferring and heading to Syracuse, and he clearly created separation between himself and Thompson-Robinson. Stock up RB 2024: Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley 2025: Saquon Barkley, A.J. Dillon, Will Shipley, Lew Nichols, Keilan Robinson, ShunDerrick Powell (undrafted rookie), Montrell Johnson Jr. (undrafted rookie), Ben VanSumeren (Fullback) Barkley earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press and finished as a finalist for Most Valuable Player in his debut with the Eagles. Philadelphia signed former Packers running back A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal. Dillon sat out 2024 but offers a physical contrast to Barkley's elite athleticism. Will Shipley continues to improve, and he'll be the third running back. Keilan Robinson appeared in six games in his rookie season, seeing most of his action on special teams. Philadelphia added two undrafted rookies in Montrell Johnson Jr. (Florida) and ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas). Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, wrapped up an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana. A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout. The stock is the same WR 2024: A.J. Brown, Britain Covey, Jahan Dotson, DeVonta Smith, Johnny Wilson 2025: A.J. Brown, Elijah Cooks, Jahan Dotson, Danny Gray, Terrace Marshall Jr., Ainias Smith, DeVonta Smith, Johnny Wilson, Avery Williams, Darius Cooper (undrafted rookie), Taylor Morin (undrafted rookie, Giles Jackson (Tryout) A.J. Brown led the team with 1,079 receiving yards in 2024. He also ranked 1st in receiving average (16.1) (min. 60 catches) and 3rd in receiving yards per game (83.0) (min. 13 games), behind Ja'Marr Chase (100.5) and Justin Jefferson (90.2). DeVonta Smith posted a career-high 8 TDs in the regular season and hauled in a 46-yard TD in Super Bowl LIX. During the run to the Super Bowl, he became the franchise's all-time leader in postseason receiving yards (595). Dotson had his fifth-year option declined after catching 19 of 33 targets for 216 yards in 17 regular-season games with the Eagles in 2024, following his acquisition in a trade from Washington. He also rushed once for 13 yards. Despite his struggles, Dotson played 649 offensive snaps during the regular season for Philadelphia, working as a No. 3 receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Terrace Marshall was signed to a one-year deal, offering elite athleticism from the slot. Stock up TE 2024: Grant Calcaterra, Dallas Goedert 2025: Grant Calcaterra, Dallas Goedert, Kylen Gransen, Harrison Bryant, E.J. Jenkins, Nick Muse, Cameron Latu Dallas Goedert is back on a restructured deal, and it wasn't a rough decision after the veteran (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. Philadelphia has Grant Calcaterra as the backup after signing Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant. Stock up OL 2024: Mekhi Becton, Landon Dickerson, Fred Johnson, Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Trevor Keegan, Darian Kinnard, Jordan Mailata, Tyler Steen 2025: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Kenyon Green, Lane Johnson, Tyler Steen, Brett Toth, Darian Kinnard, Laekin Vakalahi -Roster Exempt, Kendall Lamm, Trevor Keegan, Matt Pryor, Drew Kendall- Drafted Rookie, Myles Hinton-Drafted Rookie, Cameron Williams- Drafted Rookie, Hollin Pierce- (Undrafted rookie), Marcus Tate-Undrafted rookie) According to PFF, Jordan Mailata (96.9) led the entire NFL in offensive and run-blocking grades (94.9). In addition, Mailata ranked 2nd in the NFL with a 91.7 pass-blocking grade, behind Tristan Wirfs (93.7). The Eagles acquired Kenyon Green from the Texans for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and while he's a former first-round pick, the former Texas A&M star was the 76th highest-graded guard in the NFL out of 77 candidates, according to PFF. Former Alabama offensive tackle and third-round pick Tyler Steen was slightly better, landing at 75th with a 40.7 grade from PFF. There will be competition for this spot, and it's a noticeable downgrade after Mekhi Becton's exit. Lane Johnson ranked 1st among NFL RTs in PFF pass-blocking grade (88.1), pressure percentage (2.2%), and knockdown percentage (0.2%). He allowed zero sacks and 1 QB hit in 451 pass-blocking snaps. The Eagles added more depth in the draft by selecting Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, and Cameron Williams. Stock up:
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Rumors Swirl About Saquon Barkley Backups
Eagles Rumors Swirl About Saquon Barkley Backups originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles' running back room looked vastly different when organized team activities wrapped up in June compared to how it appeared just months earlier. What seemed like a straightforward depth chart behind superstar Saquon Barkley has evolved into one of the most intriguing position battles heading into training camp. Advertisement At the center of this uncertainty is the precarious roster status of newly signed veteran AJ Dillon, whose Eagles tenure could be over before it truly begins thanks to the rapid ascension of sophomore Will Shipley. When the Eagles released longtime contributor Kenny Gainwell and signed Dillon to a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March, the expectation was clear: the former Green Bay Packers power back would slide into the No. 2 role behind Barkley while Shipley continued his development as a third-string option. Spring practices told a different story entirely. Multiple reports from OTAs and minicamp highlighted Shipley's impressive showing, with the 2024 fourth-round pick out of Clemson demonstrating improved vision, cutting ability and overall comfort within offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's system. Sources close to the team describe Shipley as "more explosive" and "noticeably more confident" than during his rookie campaign, when he managed just 30 carries for 82 yards (2.7 yards per carry) in the regular season. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound back has reportedly caught the attention of coaches with his versatility, showing improvement as both a receiver out of the backfield and in pass protection. Shipley didn't receive any targets in the passing game during the 2024 regular season, aside from his appearance in the meaningless Week 18 against the Giants, where he caught all four of his targets for 35 yards. Advertisement Shipley's limited regular-season opportunities came primarily in garbage time situations, but he made the most of his chances when it mattered most. In the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game against Washington, Shipley exploded for 77 yards and a touchdown on just four carries, including a spectacular 57-yard burst. The play served as a flashpoint for the potential that had been largely hidden during his rookie year. The rookie's preseason showing in 2024 also offered a glimpse into his ceiling. In the Eagles' preseason opener against Baltimore, Shipley scored the team's first touchdown on a 7-yard reception from Kenny Pickett and rushed for 23 yards on seven carries. He was one of just three Eagles running backs to receive at least seven carries in that game. While Dillon brings an undeniable physical presence that the Eagles have lacked in recent years, questions persist about his fit within Moore's offense and his ability to contribute on special teams. Dillon's 2024 season was wiped out entirely due to injury, and at 29 years old, there are legitimate concerns about his explosiveness and long-term durability. Perhaps most telling is the financial structure of Dillon's contract. With only $165,000 guaranteed of his $1.3 million deal, the Eagles face minimal financial consequences if they decide to move on from the veteran before the season begins. Advertisement The Eagles' roster construction adds another layer of complexity to this battle. With the team expected to keep return specialist Avery Williams, who can contribute at both wide receiver and running back, plus fullback Ben VanSumeren locked into his role, the math becomes challenging for carrying four traditional running backs. Philadelphia has historically preferred to allocate roster spots toward skill position depth at wide receiver and tight end, making Dillon's path to the 53-man roster even more treacherous. If the coaching staff believes Shipley can adequately fill the change-of-pace role while also contributing on special teams – something Dillon has rarely done throughout his career – the veteran becomes expendable. The next six weeks will prove crucial for both players' futures. Dillon must demonstrate that his power running style and pass protection skills are valuable enough to warrant a roster spot despite his limitations. For Shipley, the goal is simple: continue the trajectory established during spring workouts. If you combine Shipley's regular season and postseason rushing stats, he had 34 carries for 180 yards (5.3 YPC) and two touchdowns – efficiency that suggests he's ready for an expanded role. The Eagles seem confident that Will Shipley can take over as Saquon Barkley's backup running back, and early indicators suggest this confidence is well-founded. With minimal guaranteed money and limited special teams value, Dillon faces an uphill battle to justify his roster spot. Training camp will provide the final verdict, but the writing may already be on the wall. Advertisement Related: Adoree Jackson Embraces Old-School Coaching Style in Eagles Secondary Related: Eagles' Jalen Carter Reveals Plan to Join NFL's Elite This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles to watch: Why these seven under-the-radar players could surprise in 2025
We're looking at seven lesser-known Philadelphia Eagles who could have a breakout season in 2025 Philadelphia is on a month-long break, but they'll return to the NovaCare Complex on July 21 with plenty of confidence and a few questions to answer during training camp. The Eagles suffered several losses in the secondary and defensive line, but somehow managed to get better in the short term, while amassing potential All-Pro talent in the draft. The first wave of free agency saw Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers), Mekhi Becton (Chargers), and Oren Burks (Bengals) all depart. Vic Fangio's defense saw Darius Slay (Steelers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and James Bradberry (UFA) all depart a Super Bowl roster. On offense, the backup running back and starting right guard departed, leaving an explosive offense with two holes that need to be filled. All wasn't lost, as the Eagles added a running back, three pass-rushing linebackers, two tight ends, a cornerback, and a new long snapper. With mandatory mini camp complete and training camp fast approaching, we're looking at seven under-the-radar Eagles who could have a breakout season. Will Shipley/A.J. Dillion duo No running back has ever had back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons, and Philadelphia will likely tread lightly with the workload for Saquon Barkley. Enter veteran running back A.J. Dillon and second-year ball carrier Will Shipley. Dillon missed the 2024 season with a neck injury. Still, at 26 years old, he brings some extra power to the Philadelphia running back rotation, which currently consists of Saquon Barkley and Will Shipley. He is a 6-foot, 247-pound back who ranked second on the Packers with 2,928 yards from scrimmage from 2021-23 and posted 50+ yards from scrimmage in 30 games. LB Josh Uche Philadelphia's defensive coordinator could utilize a pass rusher by committee approach, and Uche has the look of a giant, under-the-radar signing. The 26-year-old Uche has 20.5 career sacks and 34 quarterback hits throughout his NFL career. A 2020 second-round pick out of Michigan, Uche spent the first four and a half years in New England and has been used as an edge rusher throughout his career. Uche had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022 while in New England, stacking up 49 pressures at a rate of 18.5 percent. The versatile linebacker logged two sacks while on the Patriots in 2024 and finished the year with 23 tackles (17 solo) in 13 games. According to Pro Football Focus, Uche's pressure rate has been 16.7 percent since 2022, which ranks sixth among edge defenders in the NFL. LB Azeez Ojulari Like Uche, Ojulari could cash out with a big season rushing the passer in Philadelphia. In his first year in the league, he broke the Giants' record for sacks by a rookie with eight. In four years in the NFL, Ojulari has compiled 37 QB hits, 22 sacks, and 21 tackles for loss in 46 games. At just 24 years old, the savvy edge rusher has a chance to make an impact for Philadelphia within Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound player posted six sacks in 11 games in the 2024 season. DB Tristin McCollum Philadelphia selected Drew Mukuba to pair with Reed Blankenship at safety, but if the rookie isn't prepared to hit the ground running, McCollum could be a candidate to start. McCollum, 26, saw an expanded role last season with Sydney Brown recovering from injury. He appeared in 14 games with two starts, totaling 33 tackles and two passes defended. WR Johnny Wilson Wilson, whom the Eagles selected in the sixth round of last year's NFL Draft, made 16 regular-season appearances during his rookie season in Philadelphia. Wilson finished with five catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. He played on more than 50 percent of Philadelphia's offensive snaps just three times last season, and will look to carve out a role in 2025. WR Ainias Smith The rookie wideout caught four passes for 35 yards and a touchdown when the team rested its primary starters in Week 18. Still, he was a non-factor on offense during his previous six appearances in the regular season and spent most of the season on the PUP list and injured reserve. He'll enter 2025 looking to prove he can contribute to the passing game and special teams. OL Kenyon Green In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Texans traded down from No. 13 to No. 15 with the Eagles and selected Kenyon Green. Three years later, they're now trading Green to Philadelphia. Still just 23, Green missed two games as a rookie, the entire 2023 season, and five games last season with various injuries. Green started 14 of 15 games as a rookie but was the 77th-highest-graded guard (37.7) out of 77 players in Pro Football Focus rankings that year. Last season, Green was one of the lowest-graded offensive guards in the NFL. WR Terrace Marshall Marshall will turn 25 before Training Camp. He brings elite size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and speed (4.4 in the 40 at his Pro Day in 2021) to the offense. If Jahan Dotson struggles to claim a role, Marshall could slide into the No. 3 spot. DT Moro Ojomo Ojomo finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (six solo) in 17 regular-season games. Ojomo saw a significant increase in workload in his second season with the Eagles, playing 370 defensive snaps and 70 snaps on special teams while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. With Milton Williams departing, Ojomo is expected to be a starter, even after the Eagles drafted Ty Robinson. DB Lewis Cine Cine was selected by Minnesota 32nd overall in the 2022 draft and joined the Bills' practice squad after being released by the Vikings last summer. He broke his leg during his rookie season and was limited to playing 10 defensive snaps in 10 games over his two years in Minnesota. The 24-year-old from Haiti is listed at 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds and is a low-risk signing after a decorated college career at Georgia. Cine earned defensive MVP honors in Georgia's 33-18 win over Alabama in the national championship game in the 2021 season.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where did the Eagles land in a PFF ranking of all 32 running back groups?
Eagles land at No. 4 in a PFF ranking of all 32 running back groups So, how good is the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line? They're led by Jeff Stoutland, perhaps the best position coach in the game. Lately, any tailback behind them is assured of a Pro Bowl season. Miles Sanders made the NFL's all-star team in 2022. Philadelphia let him walk during the following offseason and didn't think twice about it. D'Andre Swift replaced him... another Pro Bowler... A tad over a year ago, Philadelphia did what most never thought was possible. They paid a running back a lot of money. There isn't anyone in the Delaware Valley who doesn't know how that turned out. For years, people asked a question. What might happen if the Eagles put an elite running back behind that offensive line? We have been answered. What happens is the best rushing season in franchise history. Pro Football Focus names the Eagles' RB unit among the top four in the NFL As good as Saquon Barkley has been for the Eagles, some pundits, while tossing around ideas about strategy, have suggested that maybe Philadelphia ought to hand him the ball less often. It sounds strange to say, doesn't it? The goal is to win. Saquon poses a threat to go the distance every time he touches the football. How do you give that guy fewer opportunities to do so? The answer is simple... After a heavy workload during the 2024-25 campaign, there's a fear that he may have taken too much punishment, so theories have shifted. There's a desire for a more balanced attack from the Eagles this time around. Less physical strain on Saquon means he is hopefully fresher and better rested for another postseason run. They have plenty of weapons for the passing game, and this next nugget might be the best news they receive all summer. Pro Football Focus recently ranked every NFL team's running back room. "Saquon Barkley's incredible 2024 season alone earns Philadelphia a high mark on this list. Postseason included, Barkley rushed for more than 2,500 yards last season while forcing 83 missed tackles and generating an astonishing 55 explosive runs." Those were the words of Dalton Wasserman. He's this story's author. He also sees value in A.J. Dillon and Will Shipley. "AJ Dillon and Will Shipley will be Barkley's backups in 2025. Dillon missed all of last season due to a neck injury but earned a solid 76.1 PFF rushing grade in 2023. Shipley tallied just 34 carries during his rookie campaign but could be the team's primary kick returner this season." This isn't rocket science. Rushing for 2,000 yards takes a lot out of the guy who does so, which is why we haven't seen any of the eight guys who have done it previously repeat the feat during the following season. The Eagles are going to score a lot of points, but less Saquon and more of a committee approach could unlock something dangerous. Will Shipley and A.J. Dillon are potentially two more secret weapons for the Eagles' offense
