As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for rookie minicamp, the roster has seen notable adjustments following the recent NFL draft, including nine new players joining the ranks. Key positions are being evaluated, particularly at quarterback where Dak Prescott remains the clear starter, though competition for backup is heating up between Will Grier and Joe Milton III. The running back situation appears wide open, with JaVonte Williams leading the pack, while newcomers Deuce Vaughn and Phil Mafah aim to make an impact.

Wide receiver continues to be a focal point of speculation with CeeDee Lamb expected to shine, but the search for a strong number two remains uncertain. The tight end position has its hopes pinned on Jake Ferguson, who looks to recover from a challenging previous season. On defense, the absence of DeMarcus Lawrence is felt, and the team is banking on Micah Parsons to lead the charge. With roster dynamics in flux, training camp promises to unveil who stands out among the newly integrated players.

Phil Mafah, the seventh-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys, is facing a crucial challenge in making the final roster. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 234 pounds, his size and strength suggest he could excel in short-yardage situations or as a third-down back. However, he will need to master the art of pass protection, an area where he performed well in college but needs refinement at the pro level. The pressure is on him as he competes against established players like Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke, both of whom already fulfill similar roles.

A reliable pass protector is essential for the Cowboys, especially given Dak Prescott's injury history. Mafah's success in honing his skills in this area could be the deciding factor in securing a spot on the team. Combining effective special teams play with the ability to contribute significantly on offense will be key for him as he navigates a crowded running back room.

The Dallas Cowboys are reshaping their backfield after losing 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle to the Carolina Panthers. Owner Jerry Jones has opted not to solely rely on veteran signings like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, instead drafting two promising running backs, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, to introduce competition. With the Cowboys' head coach expressing hope for the rookies to potentially start, veterans Williams and Sanders face pressure to elevate their performances from last season, where both struggled significantly. The stage is set for a fierce training camp battle as all four running backs vie for the top spot on the depth chart.

The Dallas Cowboys have shifted their attention from the running game to the receiver position, adding veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency and selecting fresh talent in the draft. The arrival of rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah suggests a strategic pairing that could enhance the team's backfield depth behind Dak Prescott. However, this influx potentially sidelines players like Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis, raising questions about their future on the roster.

Deuce Vaughn, despite his emotional draft story and preseason flashes, has struggled to find meaningful playing time, totaling just 110 yards on 40 carries across 14 games. With new signings and strategic visions for the backfield, Vaughn's role appears tenuous as he enters his third year in the league. The competition intensifies, and his performance in camp will determine his fate with the team going forward.

The Dallas Cowboys, led by new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive play-caller Klayton Adams, are shifting to a ground-centric offense for the 2025 season. Following the hiring of coaches Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, the Cowboys aim to enhance their run game, which suffered last season. Top draft pick Tyler Booker will fill Zack Martin's vacated right guard position, contributing to a revamped offensive line featuring talents like Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele.

Adams emphasizes that a robust run game not only establishes dominance over defenses but also creates passing opportunities for quarterback Dak Prescott. This strategy anticipates three to four yards per carry from running backs like Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, while rookies like Jaydon Blue could potentially break off significant gains to shift game momentum. With last year's struggles in mind, the Cowboys are determined to reassert their physical offensive identity.