Phil Mafah Scouting Report for 2025 NFL Draft: Clemson Running Back
Introduction
Phil Mafah, a standout running back from Clemson University, has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his powerful running style, impressive burst, and ability to make defenders miss, Mafah has the potential to be a difference-maker at the next level. This scouting report will provide a comprehensive evaluation of Mafah’s strengths, weaknesses, and projected role in the NFL. We’ll break down his physical traits, on-field skills, and overall potential as a future NFL running back.
Physical Traits
Phil Mafah has a well-built, muscular frame that stands at 6’0″ and weighs around 225 pounds. This combination of size and strength gives him an advantage when running through contact and in short-yardage situations. He has a powerful lower body, with thick legs that provide him with exceptional drive, balance, and the ability to churn out extra yardage after contact. Mafah’s body type is a good fit for an NFL running back, as he can withstand the physical toll of a professional football season while also possessing the necessary agility to make plays in the open field.
One of Mafah’s key physical traits is his impressive burst. Despite his large frame, he demonstrates a quick first step, allowing him to hit the hole with explosiveness. His acceleration is notable, and he can outrun defenders once he finds space. In addition, Mafah has surprisingly nimble feet for a player of his size, which allows him to change direction smoothly, evade tacklers, and make defenders miss in tight spaces.
Running Style and Vision
Phil Mafah is a north-south runner who thrives between the tackles, where his combination of size and vision makes him a handful for defenders. He has the ability to break through arm tackles with ease, using his size and leg drive to gain extra yardage after contact. His power running style is complemented by his ability to lower his shoulder and finish runs with authority, often dragging tacklers for additional yards.
Mafah’s vision is one of his greatest assets. He has a natural feel for reading blocks and is patient when it comes to waiting for holes to develop. He displays good awareness of defenders’ positions, which allows him to anticipate contact and adjust his running angles. His ability to set up blocks and follow through with decisive cuts gives him the potential to be a highly effective downhill runner at the NFL level. Mafah’s patience behind the line of scrimmage, combined with his decisiveness when hitting the hole, is a key reason why he is able to consistently gain yards.
In addition to his ability to gain yards between the tackles, Mafah is also capable of making defenders miss in space. He is light on his feet for a player of his size, and his ability to cut sharply and change direction helps him avoid tacklers in the open field. Whether it’s through stiff arms, spins, or juke moves, Mafah is effective at eluding tacklers and extending plays.
Pass Protection and Blocking
As a running back, one of the most critical aspects of being a three-down player in the NFL is pass protection. Phil Mafah has shown that he is a willing and capable blocker, although there are areas in which he can improve. He is not yet a consistently dominant pass protector, but he does display good recognition of incoming blitzes and works hard to provide protection for his quarterback.
When blocking, Mafah has a solid base and can square up to defenders, using his size and strength to create a solid wall. However, he occasionally struggles with disengaging from defenders once they make contact, which can limit his effectiveness in this area. With more development and refinement, Mafah could become a more consistent blocker and improve his standing as a complete back at the NFL level.
Receiving Skills
While Phil Mafah is known primarily for his running ability, he has also shown that he can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. He is not yet a polished route runner, but he has good hands and is capable of making catches in the short and intermediate passing game. Mafah can act as a safety valve for his quarterback, especially in passing situations where the play breaks down.
In terms of his receiving game, Mafah needs to refine his route running to be more of a threat in the passing game at the NFL level. While he has demonstrated the ability to catch passes, he does not yet exhibit the same level of explosiveness or separation as some of the top receiving backs in the country. However, he has the potential to become a more dynamic weapon as he gains experience and improves his technique.
Speed and Big-Play Ability
Phil Mafah’s speed is another area that makes him a dangerous back. While he may not have the elite top-end speed of some smaller, more agile running backs, Mafah is certainly fast enough to break off long runs. He has demonstrated the ability to pull away from defenders when given a clear path, showcasing his acceleration and ability to get to the second level.
Once he hits the open field, Mafah’s combination of size and speed is difficult for defenders to handle. He can outpace defenders and has the vision to make the most of his big-play opportunities. However, he may not consistently rip off long runs like some of the more explosive backs in college football. His ability to maintain acceleration through the second level and finish long runs will be a key area to monitor as he continues his development in the NFL.
Football IQ and Mentality
Phil Mafah displays a high football IQ on the field. His understanding of defensive alignments, blocking schemes, and the flow of plays shows his mental acuity and ability to read situations as they unfold. Mafah’s decision-making is strong, and he is able to adjust to the flow of the game. Whether it’s adjusting his running angles, reading blocks, or handling blitz pickups in pass protection, Mafah shows the mental toughness required to succeed at the next level.
Additionally, Mafah plays with a chip on his shoulder and an aggressive mindset that matches his physical tools. He is not afraid of contact and often runs with a sense of purpose and urgency, looking to impose his will on defenders. This mentality is a strong trait that will serve him well as he transitions to the NFL.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his strengths, there are areas in which Phil Mafah will need to improve as he transitions to the NFL. One area is his ability to become more of a dual-threat in the passing game. Mafah needs to continue refining his route running and ability to make defenders miss as a receiver. While he has the hands and physicality to contribute, his route tree and ability to get open could be areas where he faces challenges at the next level.
Additionally, while Mafah is a solid pass blocker, he needs to continue working on his technique to become a more reliable blocker in all situations. At the next level, he will face faster, more skilled defenders, and refining his pass protection skills will be key to him maintaining a three-down role.
