The Dallas Cowboys came into Day 3 of the NFL draft with three picks in the seventh round. After taking defensive tackle Jay Toia at 217, the Cowboys selected their second running back of the 2025 draft in Phil Mafah from Clemson at 239 overall.

Dallas has stayed patient and trusted their board throughout this draft, and after not grabbing one in the first four rounds, they have walked away with Mafah and Jaydon Blue, who went in the fifth round. Blue is explosive and can take any run to the house with his exceptional speed. However, Mafah brings a different element, although he can make guys miss here and there. He’s a bigger body at the running back spot at 6’1 and 234 pounds. Mahaf is a downhill bruiser that punishes defenders when he finishes runs. He also has very good contact balance for his size.

Mafah had a productive 2024 campaign for the Tigers. He finished fifth in the ACC with 1,115 yards, and he added eight rushing touchdowns. This is after he earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2023 when he ran for 965 yards (team high) and 13 scores. The year before, Mafah gained 515 yards and logged four rushing touchdowns. So, Mafah has improved every year on the collegiate level.

Not only have the Cowboys addressed running back, they’ve added guys in Blue and Mafah that complement each other perfectly. Blue is the lighting, and Mafah is the thunder. Mafah and Blue join a running back room that added veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency. Also, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are on the roster. This will be an open competition without a doubt, and with his bulldozer style, Mafah has a shot to be a name to watch once the pads come on.

Here’s what Dane Brugler of The Athletic had to day about Mafah:

Mafah is a big, strong downhill runner who lacks explosiveness to be a consistent perimeter runner but has the footwork and power to work between the tackles. He has the necessary skills to hold up his end of the bargain in a two-headed NFL backfield committee.