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.

During his freshman year in 2021, Mafah played a complementary role behind Clemson’s then-starter, Will Shipley, but still managed to make an impression, rushing for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Over the next two seasons, Mafah’s role expanded, and he emerged as a more integral part of the offense. By 2023, he had become the primary back, finishing the season with 966 yards and eight touchdowns. His impressive ability to pound the ball up the middle, coupled with solid receiving skills, made him a key figure in Clemson’s offense.

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.

Potential Landing Spots

Several teams could be a good fit for Mafah, particularly those in need of a durable, physical back who can make an immediate impact in certain offensive situations. Some possible landing spots include:

• Baltimore Ravens: With a run-centric offense, the Ravens have a long-standing need for a powerful running back to complement Lamar Jackson. Mafah’s ability to move the ball between the tackles would fit well with Baltimore’s style of play.
• Cincinnati Bengals: With Joe Mixon’s future uncertain, the Bengals may look for a physical back to add depth to their backfield. Mafah could provide the necessary power to complement Joe Burrow’s high-flying offense.
• Green Bay Packers: A team that values tough, physical runners, Green Bay could be an ideal landing spot for Mafah. With a rebuilding offense, Mafah could help establish the ground game for the Packers moving forward.
• New York Giants: Known for their blue-collar mentality, the Giants are often looking for versatile, tough players. Mafah’s ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver could make him a strong candidate for the Giants’ backfield.

Other Clemson Players in the 2025 NFL Draft

Phil Mafah is not the only Clemson player with their eyes set on the 2025 NFL Draft. Several of Mafah’s teammates are also considered top prospects for the upcoming draft, and their respective landing spots will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their NFL careers. Let’s take a look at some of the other Clemson standouts to watch in the 2025 draft.

Barrett Carter: Linebacker

Barrett Carter, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker, is one of the most versatile defenders in the 2025 draft. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to cover both the run and the pass, Carter has been a key player for Clemson’s defense. Throughout his career, he’s consistently showcased the instincts of an elite linebacker, and he’s been especially effective as a tackler and in pass coverage.

Projected Draft Position: Carter is projected to be a second or third-round pick, with potential landing spots including teams like the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs. These teams could use a versatile linebacker who can contribute immediately.

Blake Miller: Offensive Tackle

Blake Miller, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive tackle, is another top prospect. A three-year starter for Clemson, Miller has been one of the anchors of their offensive line. His size and strength make him an ideal fit for NFL teams looking for a mauler in the trenches. With the growing demand for top-tier offensive linemen, Miller could see himself drafted in the third or fourth round.

Projected Draft Position: Miller’s landing spots could include the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, or Cleveland Browns, all of which need offensive line help to protect their quarterbacks and establish a consistent running game.

Jake Briningstool: Tight End

Jake Briningstool is a 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end who has been a consistent presence in Clemson’s passing game. His size, coupled with his ability to stretch the field and block in the run game, makes him an intriguing prospect. Briningstool’s potential as a dual-threat tight end has earned him comparisons to some of the NFL’s top players at the position.

Projected Draft Position: Briningstool is expected to be a Day 3 pick, with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and Green Bay Packers potentially taking a close look at him. His versatility and blocking ability could make him a great fit in a variety of offensive systems.

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, Phil Mafah and several of his Clemson teammates are well-positioned to make the leap to the professional ranks. Mafah’s unique blend of power and patience makes him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a physical running back. While he may not be an elite speedster, his ability to pound the ball and contribute as a receiving option out of the backfield makes him an appealing choice for NFL teams looking for balance in their offense.

Meanwhile, other Clemson standouts like Barrett Carter, Blake Miller, and Jake Briningstool are set to add depth and versatility to NFL rosters. As these athletes prepare for the next step in their careers, it’s clear that Clemson’s legacy of developing NFL talent will continue well into the future. Whether it’s Mafah’s tough running style or Carter’s elite linebacker play, these Clemson prospects are poised to make their mark on the league in 2025 and beyond.