Phil Mafah and other Clemson football players’ projected top landing spots in the 2025 NFL draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, several Clemson football players are projected to make an impact at the professional level. From the powerful running style of Phil Mafah to the versatility of other top prospects, the Tigers have a number of standout athletes who could land with NFL teams in the coming years. This article takes an in-depth look at Phil Mafah and his potential draft position, along with the projected landing spots for his Clemson teammates who are set to make their own marks in the 2025 draft.
Phil Mafah: A Powerful Running Back with a Physical Edge
Background and College Career
Phil Mafah, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound running back, is one of the most intriguing NFL prospects coming out of Clemson University in 2025. A product of Loganville, Georgia, Mafah came to Clemson as a highly touted recruit, joining the team as part of its stellar 2021 recruiting class. Over his years at Clemson, Mafah has developed into one of the most reliable running backs in college football, showcasing both his athleticism and his ability to dominate between the tackles.
Mafah’s Playing Style and Strengths
What sets Mafah apart as a prospect is his combination of size, strength, and balance. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds, Mafah’s physicality is one of his standout traits. His powerful running style allows him to break through arm tackles, often plowing through defenders to gain extra yards. Mafah’s stiff arm and ability to stay upright through contact have been invaluable in Clemson’s run-heavy offense, and they will serve him well at the next level.
Mafah’s patience and vision are also key components of his game. He has a knack for waiting for holes to develop, patiently following his blockers before hitting the hole with speed. His ability to read the defense and adjust his running lanes gives him an edge in both short-yardage and long-yardage situations.
Another strength Mafah brings to the table is his pass-catching ability. Although not necessarily known for being a receiving back, Mafah has shown that he can be an asset in the screen game and on third downs. His soft hands and ability to make defenders miss in the open field have made him a versatile option out of the backfield.
Areas for Improvement
While Mafah possesses many NFL-ready qualities, there are areas of his game that need improvement. One of the most significant areas is his explosiveness. Mafah does not possess elite speed and can sometimes struggle to hit top gear on breakaway runs. His first step out of the backfield lacks the lightning-fast burst seen in some of the most dynamic running backs in the league.
Additionally, Mafah could stand to refine his blocking technique. Although he is a solid blocker in pass protection, his ability to pick up blitzes and create space in the pocket will need improvement at the NFL level.
Projected Draft Position
Mafah’s projection for the 2025 NFL Draft has fluctuated, but he is widely regarded as a solid Day 3 prospect. As of now, his projections have him being selected anywhere from the sixth to seventh round.
While his lack of elite speed may prevent him from being taken in the earlier rounds, teams looking for a power back who can move the chains and contribute in short-yardage and goal-line situations are likely to be interested in Mafah. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, known for their run-heavy offense, could see Mafah as a valuable addition to complement their already strong backfield.