FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Clemson running back Phil Mafah. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Phil Mafah
Phil Mafah (RB – Clemson)
6-foot-1 | 230 Pounds
Background
Phil Mafah was a four-star recruit who rotated in over nine games as a freshman, with a 68-292-3 (4.3) line. He was then elevated to the primary back-up role behind Will Shipley the following year, finishing with a line of 98-515-4 (5.3).
Carries were split equally with Shipley in 2023 but Mafah led the team in all categories — 178-966-13 (5.4). Served as the primary back this past year, posting 215-1,122-8 (5.2). Also caught 21 passes in each of the past two seasons.
Positives
A four-year contributor with escalating output from year to year in Clemson’s balanced rushing attack. Big back who looks the part of a lead ball-carrier. No-nonsense back who barrels ahead for consistent gains on inside rushing attempts, minimizing negative-yardage plays. Executes one-cut concepts as called, with adequate vision and footwork; priority is to get upfield, not to bounce runs outside, although he does flash the agility to bounce runs when appropriate.
Mafah can run through arm tackles relatively early; doesn’t need several yards to build a head of steam like some other backs. Shows solid pad level into contact, especially for a big back. Consistently falls forward at the end of his runs, always never being bottled up and driven backward. Physically, stylistically and temperamentally suited to executing in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
The Clemson back had some issues with fumbling in 2023 (three against 178 carries) but has just four career fumbles on 559 carries. His size and strength make him a relatively effective pass protector in blitz pickup. Engages from his feet with his hands. Dropped just four passes against 58 career receptions.
Negatives
Played hurt for much of this past season (shoulder injury which required surgery), his first as a full-time starter. Doesn’t show a ton of burst in the hole and his speed is just average. Might struggle to consistently win the edge on outside rushing attempts at the next level. Not the most elusive back.
Struggles to make defenders miss in a phone booth; leaves yards on the table when making a man miss. Power is more of the thudding variety, without the explosive snap of truly elite tackle-breakers; more likely to build momentum and fall forward than to break a ton of tackles. Not very integrated into the passing game, essentially functioning as a pure safety valve without the most natural receiving skills. The average depth of target for his career was behind the line of scrimmage.
Summary
One of the most straightforward evaluations you’re going to find at the running back position — Mafah is a big, thickly-built back with a no-nonsense approach that allows him to consistently rack up gains while protecting the football.
On the other hand, Mafah’s burst, speed and ability to make defenders miss are average. He wasn’t a major factor in his team’s passing game. Looks like a mid-to-late-round pick who could carve out an early role as a between-the-tackles runner in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
Projection: Round 6
Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports 
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Jeanty proved he’s the total package this past season, with an unbelievable combination of vision, patience, creativity, agility, power, balance and speed that nearly allowed him to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Can fit in any offensive scheme, but might be best in a scheme that runs a relatively high amount of outside zone to maximize his home-run hitting ability. After a year in which he dazzled viewers with a nonstop succession of dominant highlights, Jeanty should be a lock for the first round, potentially going in the top half of the frame. Projects as a long-term, every-down feature back who should make an immediate impact.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ashton Jeanty
Skattebo was one of the most productive and exciting players in college football this past season. He combined a natural feel for the position, smooth running skills, a tough and physical temperament and exceptional contact balance, culminating in well over 2,000 total yards on the season.
There’s not a whole lot to critique about his game, besides his lack of ideal explosiveness and long speed. Otherwise, Skattebo has the look of a potential every-down back in the league or at least the power back in a one-two punch. Could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cam Skattebo
A fast, agile back with good burst and excellent open-field running skills, Neal functioned as a workhorse for the Jayhawks but might be more of a change-of-pace back at the next level, as he may struggle to grind out tough yardage between the tackles as a pro.
Neal’s snaps were relatively balanced throughout his career (more gap until this past season, then a little bit more zone), but might be better suited to a zone-blocking scheme where he’s able to stretch defenses out and cut upfield when he sees daylight. Probably more of a mid-round option.
Projection: Round 5
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Devin Neal
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
- Jordan James (Oregon)
- Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
- Brashard Smith (SMU)
- Damien Martinez (Miami)
- Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
- LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse)
- Raheim Sanders (South Carolina)
- Phil Mafah (Clemson)
- Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
- Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
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