Dallas Cowboys' late round rookie sends a message that might get him on the field a lot in 2025
It's not easy to get on the field as a rookie having been picked in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. But for Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah, not only is it a possibility, but the expectation. That's for a variety of reasons but mostly, the fact the Cowboys don't have a clear-cut RB1. […]
It's not easy to get on the field as a rookie having been picked in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. But for Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah, not only is it a possibility, but the expectation.
That's for a variety of reasons but mostly, the fact the Cowboys don't have a clear-cut RB1. And though fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue should have the leg up on him based on draft positioning alone, the two running backs couldn't be any more different.
While Blue is an explosive and speedy back poised for big plays, Mafah is a much-needed bruiser, something he discussed during rookie minicamp, sending a message that could translate into a high snap count in 2025.
"For me, it’s a mentality," Mafah told reporters. "My approach to the game is: I’ve got to be the toughest dude on the field. That’s how you have to play the game—especially at the running back position. I’m going to put it on the line for my teammates, and I expect them to do the same. That’s all you’ll see from me out there."
Being the "toughest dude" on the field is exactly what could earn him a lot of playing time in Year 1 of his career. After all, he's not going to make it because of his speed, which he relatively lacks. Nor is he going to make it happen as a receiver specialist out of the backfield. The former Clemson Tiger is more of a bulldozer, a power back who runs defenders over. That contrast with Blue is what could be the X-factor for him.
"I feel like I can complement them really well—especially Jaydon," Mafah added. "Us being in the same class, with him being a great speed guy and me being more of a power guy, I think we can really feed off each other. And also the other running backs in the room."
Mafah's words and playing style remind me of the comments made by Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams earlier in the year: He wants violence to be a priority in the unit.
"The same thing that I want from every player on offense, and that is to create violence in the game—be aggressive, run, hit," Adams said in February.
The running back room will remain a mystery until pads come on in training camp but as Brian Schottenheimer said post-draft, the one thing we know is there will be competition.
