Phil Mafah

Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer is praising second-year running back Jaydon Blue following a maturity shift after a rookie year containing a minimal 129 rushing yards (No. 76). The team requires dynamic elements to elevate an offense that ranked No. 27 in explosive play rate last season, opening a clear path for the sophomore back to contest rookie Phil Mafah and Malik Davis for touches.

If Blue continues to develop through training camp, expect him to claim the primary change-of-pace role behind lead option Javonte Williams. Blue should be drafted in the final rounds of best ball and stashed in all dynasty league formats.

Fifth-year grinder Malik Davis currently holds the edge for the premium handcuff role behind Javonte Williams. Despite surviving years of roster cuts to post 250 rushing yards on 4.4 True Yards Per Carry last season, Davis is next in line but is also staring down zero absolute job security.

Second-year running backs Jaydon Blue— and his elite 4.43 40 time—and Phil Mafah are actively gunning for the handcuff role, making this a training camp battle to monitor. Blue’s explosiveness and receiving profile makes him undroppable in dynasty, but Davis also needs to be stashed in deep leagues given the Cowboys’ high octane offense.

The Dallas Cowboys selected running back Phil Mafah from Clemson University in the seventh round (No. 239 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.  Phil Mafah, a standout running back for the Clemson Tigers, concluded his collegiate career with a commendable 2024 season, showcasing his resilience and skill.  In 2024, Mafah appeared in 14 games, recording 216 rushing attempts for 1,115 yards and 8 touchdowns.  He averaged 5.2 yards per carry.  He also contributed 21 receptions for 103 yards.  Despite battling a shoulder injury throughout the season.

As he transitions to the professional level, Mafah’s combination of physical prowess and determination makes him as a promising prospect for the NFL.

Author:  Jake Lewis (@Lewylewis5)

Phil Mafah is a strong, powerful running back who made a significant impact at Clemson, showcasing his ability to carry the load in both the rushing and passing games. Known for his physical style of running and excellent vision, Mafah was a key contributor to the Tigers’ offense throughout his college career. His ability to break tackles, maintain balance through contact, and gain yards after first contact made him a standout player in the ACC. Mafah had more than 900 rush yards in his last 2 seasons at Clemson and also caught more than 20 passes.

Mafah is a big running back who has also shown his ability to catch some passes in college. He can be a real weapon in the endzone for NFL teams. With his blend of power, speed, and agility, Mafah is a running back capable of making an immediate impact in the NFL. Teams seeking a durable, versatile back will certainly have their eye on him when draft day arrives.

Author: Sagar (@FantasyBallQAs)