Jordan Shipley entered the 2018 season as a veteran deep threat with a history of clutch performances and big-play potential. Analysts treated his role and production as a key variable in how the team's passing game would perform.
Below is a snapshot of how Shipley compared to other receivers on depth, route share, and expected value heading into the 2018 campaign.
| Player | Position | 2017 Targets | 2017 Rec Yards | 2018 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Shipley | WR | 53 | 612 | 45-55 |
| Dez Bryant | WR | 98 | 1201 | 70-85 |
| Cobi Hamilton | WR | 42 | 444 | 25-35 |
| Keenan Allen | WR | 89 | 1053 | 80-95 |
Route Profile and Usage Share
Deep Route Specialist
Heading into 2018, Jordan Shipley was relied upon primarily as a stretch field threat. Coaches designed his route tree around 12 to 20 yard dig routes, skinny post concepts, and occasional seam looks that tested leverage on deeper windows.
Role on Passing Downs
Shipley’s depth and release speed made him a natural fit on third and medium to long situations, where the offense sought vertical separation rather than short, high percentage throws. His snap count and target share reflected this identity.
Injury History and Availability
Previous Setbacks
Over the previous few seasons, injuries had interrupted Shipley’s consistency. Hamstring and ankle issues raised questions about his availability during critical stretches of the schedule.
Impact on Planning
Coaching staff balanced using him in a limited window while managing his health, which influenced how aggressively they targeted him early in games and in upcoming matchups.
Physical Tools and Matchup Fit
Size and Speed Combination
Standing 6'2" with a frame that matched up well against smaller press cornerbacks, Shipley used his length and quick first step to create separation on crossing routes and post patterns.
Quarterback Trust
A history of reliable hands and contested catches kept him in the quarterback’s progression, even as the passing game diversified with additional weapons.
2018 Season Performance Expectations
Projection Scenarios
Analysts projected Shipley to remain a high-end complement rather than the primary option, with a target range that could produce solid yard totals if the offense leaned on him in favorable situations.
Competition on the Depth Chart
Younger receivers and emerging practice squad talents created competition that could limit his role in certain formations or on specific routes designed to attack particular matchups.
Key Takeaways for the 2018 Season
- Shipley was positioned as a high impact complementary receiver rather than the primary option.
- His value came from stretching the field and creating favorable matchups for others.
- Injury management heavily influenced how frequently he was targeted in critical moments.
- Route versatility allowed him to remain relevant across multiple formations and down and distance situations.
- Coaching decisions and quarterback trust remained central to maximizing his limited but explosive potential.
FAQ
Reader questions
What were Jordan Shipley's expected targets in 2018?
Most projections placed his target share in the 45 to 55 range for the season, focusing on high leverage moments and downs where vertical concepts were favored.
How did injuries affect his 2018 outlook?
Past injury patterns led teams to plan cautiously, using him in a way that preserved his health while still leveraging his ability to make plays in longer chunks of contests.
Which routes did he run most often heading into 2018?
His core route set consisted of dig routes, skinny post concepts, seam patterns, and occasional comeback routes that matched his speed and technique against press coverage.
How did he compare to other receivers on the roster in 2018?
While younger receivers offered route diversity and higher snap ceilings, Shipley remained a go to option for high efficiency situations due to his experience and contested catch record.