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For the first time in a while, the Dallas Cowboys have some clarity at the running back position. After a breakout season that produced over 1,200 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, the Cowboys re-signed 26-year-old Javonte Williams to a three-year deal. The well-rounded veteran is the first stability the Cowboys have had since the Ezekiel Elliott-Tony Pollard years and the unquestioned bell cow heading into the 2026 campaign.
Together with exciting second-year man Jaydon Blue and fullback/halfback/tight end hybrid Hunter Luepke, there’s a case to be made the Cowboys only go three deep on the 53-man roster this year. Game day elevations from the practice squad could keep the unit afloat most of the season and allow Dallas to go deeper in areas more tenuous like cornerback, linebacker and defensive line.
It’s not going to be easy for a former seventh-round draft pick like Phil Mafah to make the cut when he’s competing against a roster crunch such as this and plenty of internal and external talent at the deadline. Even some recent roster prognostications who have the Cowboys going five deep at running back have Mafah missing the cut to the likes of Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda.
With that said, there is a way for Mafah to make the final roster it doesn’t involve sudden awesomeness in any one area. It’s all about being well-rounded.
The best thing about the former Clemson Tiger is his ability to do a little bit of everything and do so reliably and consistently. Blessed with balance, strength and patience, Mafah’s collage scouting reports praised his ability between the tackles. He’s more than solid in pass protection, never fumbles, and has the ability to catch balls out of the backfield. Dane Brugler specifically praised his personality as a key trait scouts love. The best part is, he brings it all in a frame than measures over six feet and 235 pounds.
Mafah’s size and playing style allow him to be workhorse. It’s something only Williams has on this roster, and it’s what makes Mafah a great replacement should Williams fall to injury at some point. For as steady as Davis is and as exciting as Blue might be, neither have RB1 type builds.
If Mafah can be a steady performer in training camp and the preseason, he has an excellent shot at making the Cowboys roster in 2026.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: How rarely used 7th rounder can make Cowboys roster in 2026
Continue reading...
Together with exciting second-year man Jaydon Blue and fullback/halfback/tight end hybrid Hunter Luepke, there’s a case to be made the Cowboys only go three deep on the 53-man roster this year. Game day elevations from the practice squad could keep the unit afloat most of the season and allow Dallas to go deeper in areas more tenuous like cornerback, linebacker and defensive line.
It’s not going to be easy for a former seventh-round draft pick like Phil Mafah to make the cut when he’s competing against a roster crunch such as this and plenty of internal and external talent at the deadline. Even some recent roster prognostications who have the Cowboys going five deep at running back have Mafah missing the cut to the likes of Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda.
With that said, there is a way for Mafah to make the final roster it doesn’t involve sudden awesomeness in any one area. It’s all about being well-rounded.
The best thing about the former Clemson Tiger is his ability to do a little bit of everything and do so reliably and consistently. Blessed with balance, strength and patience, Mafah’s collage scouting reports praised his ability between the tackles. He’s more than solid in pass protection, never fumbles, and has the ability to catch balls out of the backfield. Dane Brugler specifically praised his personality as a key trait scouts love. The best part is, he brings it all in a frame than measures over six feet and 235 pounds.
Mafah’s size and playing style allow him to be workhorse. It’s something only Williams has on this roster, and it’s what makes Mafah a great replacement should Williams fall to injury at some point. For as steady as Davis is and as exciting as Blue might be, neither have RB1 type builds.
If Mafah can be a steady performer in training camp and the preseason, he has an excellent shot at making the Cowboys roster in 2026.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: How rarely used 7th rounder can make Cowboys roster in 2026
Continue reading...
