Phil Mafah, a running back from Clemson, was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the No. 239 overall pick.
Mafah finished his collegiate career with significant production for the Tigers. He recorded 561 rushing attempts for 2,887 yards and 28 touchdowns over 50 games from 2021-24. He also caught 58 passes for 309 yards. He ranks ninth in Clemson history in career rushing yards and tied for 10th in career rushing touchdowns.
Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney described Mafah as a captain who improved each year, becoming a dominant player. Swinney noted his physical style despite being light on his feet with good vision. Running Backs Coach C.J. Spiller called Mafah an "unbelievable football player" and a "pro on a daily basis." Mafah joins Will Shipley, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago, marking the first time Clemson has had running backs drafted in consecutive years since 2016 and 2017.
Two other Clemson players were selected on the draft's third day. Linebacker Barrett Carter was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, and safety R.J. Mickens was taken by the Los Angeles Chargers. Carter went in the fourth round as the No. 119 overall pick. Mickens was a sixth-round selection, No. 214 overall. Clemson players selected on Day 3 of NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals added Carter with their first pick on Day 3. Carter, a linebacker, was a two-time All-America and All-ACC honoree during his time at Clemson. His selection by the Bengals marked the fourth consecutive year Clemson has had a linebacker drafted. [tw: (Source)] [tw: (Source)]
Later, the Bengals used their sixth-round pick, No. 193 overall, on running back Tahj Brooks from Texas Tech. Brooks adds a powerful element to the Bengals' backfield, complementing dynamic player Chase Brown. 2025 Bengals NFL Draft grades[tw: (Source)](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/04/24/cincinnati-bengals-nfl-draft-pick-grades-2025/83193194007/) [tw: (Source)]
Assessments of the Bengals' Day 3 choices varied. Some analysis noted taking a second linebacker in Carter after selecting one in Round 2 seemed curious given other team needs. Brooks was seen as a good fit for the team's backfield needs. Internet Reacts to Bengals 2025 NFL Draft Day 3 Picks
“He’s a guy that everybody in the organization is going to absolutely love from the first time they meet him, and then just getting to do life with him every day," Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney said of Phil Mafah. "He's just a person, and I think they’re getting a real stud.”
