Today is my third in a three-part series comparing the top RBs of the 2024 rookie class. Firstly, I took a look at Blake Corum vs. Braelon Allen. Last time, I took a look at Trey Benson vs. Johnathon Brooks. Today, I’ll be diving into Ray Davis vs. Will Shipley.
Ray Davis (RB-Kentucky)
Davis has the prototypical side for an NFL bell-cow back at 5’10” and 216 lbs. That’s a solid height/weight profile for a prototypical NFL RB. He ran for 1,129 yards and 14 TDs for the Wildcats while averaging a robust 5.7 YPC. Davis also added on 33 receptions, showing that he does have some pass-catching to his game.
Davis’s tape is fun to watch, and he’s got no real holes in his game. He isn’t a liability in pass protection like most backs are coming into the league, which means he could stay in the field for every down at the next level.
In a weaker class of RBs, I’d expect Ray Davis to get round three or four draft capital. Even though he may be a later-round pick, I believe if given the opportunity to succeed, Davis can have massive out-of-nowhere success in the NFL, ala Kyren Williams.
Will Shipley (RB-Clemson)
Shipley comes in at 5’11” and 210 lbs., giving him decent size for an incoming NFL RB. He had 827 and 5 TDs last year while adding another 31 receptions. Shipley had 1.182 yards with 15 TDs for the Clemson Tigers the year before in 2022.
In my opinion, Shipley will have success at the next level as a satellite complement back that destroys it, catching the football out of the backfield and in space. He shows up on film as a nice, patient runner and a great pass catcher. I could see an NFL comp for Shipley as someone like Danny Woodhead, though Shipley is much larger. I could even see him as a very light version of CMC.
Draft capital will be huge for Shipley, as I’d expect him to get drafted in round three or four. To me, he’s pretty scheme-dependent and needs to go to a team where he can be a nice 3rd down complement back on Sundays. I’d love to see him paired with someone like Derrick Henry or even fellow rookie RB Blake Corum.
In Conclusion
I’m taking Ray Davis between these two backs, as I think he has more of a chance to succeed as an every-down back in the league. Both can carve out excellent roles doing what they do – and I prefer Ray Davis’s film and game on the whole to Will Shipley’s.
Draft capital will be huge for both of these guys and could determine which gets drafted first come time for our dynasty rookie drafts. Look for both to be drafted in the third or 4th round and hopefully have a chance to see the field.
Thanks for reading! Any questions/positive feedback/negative feedback/whatever, I can be found on Twitter @DynastyPatrolHQ #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding #AlwaysBeScouting #DynastyFootball #NFL #NFLTrades #NFLDraft #NFLInjuries #PlantYourFlag
