Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Phil Mafah

Sunday, July 13, 11:52 AM

TennnesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt points to a battle to watch during training camp being the one between Tennessee Titans running backs Julius Chestnut and rookie Kalel Mullings for the No. 3 role behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Mullings missed time during the offseason program with an abdominal injury but took part in minicamp and is expected to be a full-go for training camp as he looks to beat out Chestnut. But Chestnut, who played in all 17 games in 2024, won't go down without a fight after having a solid offseason. The 24-year-old had 22 carries for 102 yards while adding two receptions for 11 yards in a depth role in 2024. Wyatt thinks that the Titans will keep three RBs on the active roster this year and one on the practice squad. Chestnut's leg up over Mullings could come on special teams, but Mullings will also work on special teams as he hunts for a roster spot.

Wednesday, May 7, 8:14 PM

The Dallas Cowboys have signed seventh-round rookie running back Phil Mafah to a four-year, $4.31 million deal, per the team's transaction log. Mafah spent his entire college career at Clemson, garnering seven starts over his first three seasons before starting in all 14 games in 2024. He broke out last year, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns across 216 carries (5.2 YPC). The 22-year-old wasn't much of a receiver over his first two campaigns, but he caught 21 balls in each of his junior and senior seasons, though he did not score any TDs there. Like his fellow rookie rusher Jaydon Blue, Mafah will have the opportunity to crack Dallas' backfield due to the lack of competition in front of him. This RB room will be one to watch throughout the months leading up to the NFL season.