For seventh round rookies, there is no guarantee in the NFL, or even a roster. Players selected in the final round encountered long odds. Starting positions are rare, and just figuring out the role can be a challenging task. For one of the latest rookies to the Dallas Cowboys, making the team ultimately likely depends on his performance in a key area.
Phil Mafah is ranked 239th overall and faces fierce competition in the running position this year. Clemson's 6-foot-1-inch, 234-pound bulldozer has joined a somewhat crowded field in Dallas, as many of the skills Mafah brings to overlap the desktop with other Royal Enterprise (RBS).
The size, strength and moderate speed of the horse method may be inserted into him in the short code and/or third place. Dallas already has a pair of players in this category, the newly acquired Javonte Williams and defender Hunter Luepke. The Cowboys may not want to dedicate more than four squads to RB positions, and rookie Jaydon Blue is a virtual lock, so Mafah has to separate himself from the others.
Luekpe, part center back, part guard, part H-BACK and part tight end, is a versatile tool for the Cowboys worship. He hasn't confirmed that he is third, but he has the tools. Williams was a former second-round draft pick with the pedigree and experience to be that guy. He was an early favorite to play Blue's role with Blue this season and was naturally fit in short codes or pass protections that Blue might struggle with. If Mafa wants to be a team, it must be a brilliant performance here, and special team games will not be enough to give people a scale.
One area where horse law must shine is through protection. Marfa did not ask for protection through Clemson, but when he did, he was effective. In Pass Pro, he allowed only a 4.2% pressure rate, one of the highest scores in his draft class. Of course, his size and strength can stick to this most important task, but his skills will need improvements at the career level.
RB is usually the last line of defense for the quarterback. Dak Prescott's health is crucial to the cowboy coaching staff after major injuries. They can't lose the franchise QB again, as Cooper Rush is a loyal backup and now leaving free agent without stepping in. It's 2025 Prescott or bust, so finding a reliable RB for a third drop is crucial to the offense.
If Mafa wants to be a roster, he will have to show that he can contribute to special teams, switch to first place in tough situations, and most importantly, he must show that he can be a reliable pass protector in the backcourt.
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