Clemson running back Phil Mafah goes on final day of NFL Draft to Cowboys
Clemson’s Phil Mafah is getting his NFL opportunity.
The former Tigers running back was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (No. 239 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, which wrapped on Saturday.
Mafah was one of three Tigers drafted on Saturday along with LB Barrett Carter (fourth round/Bengals) and S R.J. Mickens (sixth round/Chargers) being the others.
Mafah (6-foot-1, 234 pounds) left Clemson ranked ninth in career rushing yards (2,887) and tied for 10th in career rushing touchdowns (28).
He ran for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior and 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior, though he struggled with a shoulder injury that limited his production down the stretch during the 2024 season.
Mafah, who split carries with current Philadelphia Eagle Will Shipley during his first three years at Clemson, held a private workout for teams in April. He was invited to the combine but only did interviews as he recovered from offseason surgery.
“Mafah might need to prove himself on special teams to offer enough roster flexibility to make it as an RB3,” NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wrote.
Mafah is the Cowboys’ eighth all-time Clemson selection but its first since safety Michael Hamlin in 2009 and only Dallas’ third since 1989.
“He’s 230-plus pounds, but he’s light on his feet,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He’s got great vision. I think he can be a three-down player. He can be effective in the passing game as well. I think his best football is still ahead of him. He’s got a lot of tread left on his tires.”
Jake Briningstool signs with Kansas City Chiefs
After the draft ended, players began signing free-agent deals with teams and one Clemson player to do so was TE Jake Briningstool.
Briningstool signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. The free-agent deal was for $264,000, Wilson reported.
The two-time All-ACC selection was Clemson’s record holder for career receptions by a tight end (127). He also finished second in school history in receiving yards (1,380) and touchdowns (17) among tight ends.
Briningstool had 498 receiving yards as a junior and 530 as a senior. He was viewed as a receiving threat with room to improve as a blocker.
Clemson 2025 NFL Draft picks
- LB Barrett Carter: Fourth round (No. 119 overall) to the Cincinnati Bengals
- S R.J. Mickens: Sixth round (No. 214 overall) to the Los Angeles Chargers
- RB Phil Mafah: Seventh round (No. 239 overall) to the Dallas Cowboys
- TE Jake Briningstool: Signed UDFA contract with the Kansas City Chiefs
- DT Payton Page: Signed UDFA contract with the New York Jets
- OL Marcus Tate: Undrafted
This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 6:28 PM.
