Coming off a 7-10 season, there were bound to be some changes for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy and replaced him with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. They also made several changes to the defense, acquiring Kaiir Elam in a trade with the Buffalo Bills and Kenneth Murray in a deal with the Tennessee Titans, but the biggest changes may have occurred in the Dallas backfield.
The Cowboys signed Javontae Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency and added a dynamic complement in Texas speedster Jaydon Blue in the fifth round in April’s draft. But it’s another draft pick that has disappointed so far and let his new team down as it heads into its mandatory minicamp.
Phil Mafah Facing ‘Uphill Battle’ to Make Cowboys Roster in 2025
Phil Mafah was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of April’s draft and carried an intriguing draft profile. A 6-foot-1, 234-pound hammer, Mafah ran 216 times for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns during his final year at Clemson. With 13 more touchdowns in his junior season, Mafah could give the goal line presence they didn’t have last season when they ranked last in the NFL with six rushing touchdowns.
Mafah may still be able to serve that role but he’s lacking in other areas that he’ll need to be successful at the next level. ESPN’s Mike Clay theorized that his 4.55 40-yard dash won’t play at the next level and that he’ll face an uphill battle to make the team in the coming months.
“He’s not particularly fast, and his collegiate efficiency was underwhelming,” Clay wrote. “The Dallas RB situation is seemingly wide open, but Blue, [Williams] and [Sanders] all stand in the way of a sizeable role.”
Clay isn’t in the building, so his take is pure speculation. But Mafah’s chances of making the roster seem to already be taking a hit based on what else is happening during the Cowboys’ OTA workouts.
Blue is already showing off his explosiveness and could wrestle away the return role from Kavontae Turpin as Dallas looks to use him more as a receiver. Williams and Sanders were projected to battle for one spot on the roster but Williams said he feels “completely like himself” two years after tearing his ACL and Sanders has already gained praise from Schottenheimer for his work during OTAs.
Brian Schottenheimer on new Cowboys RB Miles Sanders: "I don't know why anyone would be surprised by Miles' ability. Having been in the division and playing against Miles when he was in Philadelphia, you talk about a guy that's a home run threat, a guy that's got incredible…
— DLLS Cowboys (@DLLS_Cowboys) June 3, 2025
Unless the Cowboys plan on carrying Blue as their kick returner, it appears that Dallas has its three backs sorted out for the upcoming season. If Mafah has a strong showing during minicamp, training camp and the preseason, he could possibly change their mind. But it already looks like there may not be room for the role Dallas has cast him in, which lets the team down heading into the upcoming season.