The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2025 NFL Draft by turning their attention to the ground game, selecting Phil Mafah in the seventh round. Mafah, the powerful running back from Clemson, now enters a crowded and competitive backfield. Cowboys fans have every reason to be excited about what this bruising rusher can bring to Dallas.

Phil Mafah: Cowboys' New Power Option

With pick 239 overall, the Cowboys added Phil Mafah after already selecting Jaydon Blue earlier in the draft. Mafah stands at 6'0" and weighs in at 234 pounds. He’s built for tough, inside runs and brings a physical element to Dallas’s offense that’s been needed. Mafah complements the explosive Blue as two different types of runners—one brings thunder, the other lightning. This dynamic could energize the Cowboys’ rushing attack.

Mafah’s production at Clemson grew every season. In 2024, he rushed for 1,115 yards and scored eight touchdowns, finishing fifth in the ACC. The year before, he notched 965 yards and 13 scores. These numbers show continuous improvement and a track record of reliability, which should serve him well at the next level.

Scouting Mafah's Fit in Dallas

Mafah's game stands out thanks to his bruising running style and impressive contact balance. He is a downhill runner who is hard to bring down, excelling at picking up tough yards between the tackles. His college tape displays a willingness to deliver punishment on every carry. According to a scouting breakdown from Blogging The Boys, Mafah “has the footwork and power to work between the tackles” and fits well in a two-headed backfield committee.

Dallas hasn’t only drafted young talent for the position. Veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders joined during free agency, forming what could become a deep and robust rotation. Mafah will have to earn his snaps, but his skill set perfectly complements the Cowboys' new-look backfield. Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn also remain on the roster, ensuring healthy competition throughout training camp.

Grading the Cowboys’ Pick

Reaction to the Cowboys' decision to select Mafah has been positive. USA TODAY gave the pick a solid B+, highlighting how Mafah’s size and bruising style give Dallas something they have lacked. While he may not have elite speed, his ability to gain tough yards and block in passing situations increases his value in the NFL.

For a more detailed account of why Dallas chose Mafah, the official Dallas Cowboys draft analysis praised his run strength, pass protection skills, and experience at a high level in college football. His two-touchdown, 186-yard game against Notre Dame in 2023 stands out as a showcase of his potential.

What's Next for Phil Mafah and the Cowboys?

With training camp approaching, the battle for touches in Dallas’s running back group will be fierce. Mafah’s physicality and consistent improvement position him as a potential short-yardage and goal-line weapon. If he adapts quickly, expect him to become a valuable part of the Cowboys’ offense as the season progresses.

Phil Mafah has the tools to carve out a role and contribute right away. His arrival signals the Cowboys’ commitment to a balanced and powerful rushing attack—something that could make all the difference in the 2025 NFL season.