Every year, the Dallas Cowboys head into training camp with a few unexpected dark horses quietly creeping up the depth chart. This summer is no different.
With a mix of injuries, underperforming veterans, and coaching turnover, three dark horse candidates are making serious noise in Oxnard: Phil Mafah, Perrion Winfrey, and Kaiir Elam.
If you haven’t been paying attention, now’s the time to start.
Let’s break down why these three could end up playing significant snaps in 2025—and maybe even shaping the season.
Phil Mafah – The Rookie RB Dark Horse
Let’s be honest: when the Cowboys selected Phil Mafah late in the 7th round, most fans shrugged.
But that’s quickly changing.
Mafah, the bruising back out of Clemson, has been one of the most consistent standouts in training camp. During the first few padded practices, head coach Brian Schottenheimer singled him out:
“Shows up every day with positive plays that get you excited.”
That’s not something you hear about many seventh-rounders.
Why Mafah’s Earning Reps
- Injuries and underperformance in the RB room (Miles Sanders and Deuce Vaughn have both missed time)
- Mafah brings power, contact balance, and the ability to finish runs, which no one else on the roster really provides.
- He’s showing growth in pass protection, something Schottenheimer values highly.
Right now, Javonte Williams is the RB1, but if the Cowboys need a short-yardage hammer, or if Williams wears down mid-season, Mafah might be the next man up.
This is exactly the kind of back that shows up in December and helps you close out tough games. Don’t be surprised if he carves out a goal-line role early.
Perrion Winfrey – From UFL to Cowboys Rotation
Yes, that Perrion Winfrey.
After flaming out early in Cleveland, Winfrey revived his career in the UFL, earning All-UFL honors and dominating at the line of scrimmage.
The Cowboys scooped him up this June—and the move is already paying off.
- Mazi Smith has been inconsistent and is now injured.
- Jay Toia is a promising rookie but still raw.
- Osa Odighizuwa is solid, but he can’t do it alone.
Winfrey stepped in and started taking first-team reps almost immediately, according to multiple camp reports.
Kaiir Elam – A Fresh Start in a Broken Secondary
Remember when Kaiir Elam was a first-round pick in Buffalo? Things didn’t quite pan out there.
But Elam has found new life in Dallas, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Why Elam Has a Real Shot
The Cowboys’ secondary is a MASH unit right now:
- Trevon Diggs is still not 100%
- Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. remains out
- Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, and Andrew Booth Jr. are dealing with injuries
- DaRon Bland is a lock, but the other spots are wide open
And guess who’s been turning heads in camp? Kaiir Elam
He’s had multiple interceptions in recent practices and has reportedly looked like the most consistent corner not named Bland. Coaches are impressed with his technique and renewed confidence.
This isn’t just a feel-good story:
- Elam has the size and speed to match up with WR2s.
- He’s healthy and locked in mentally.
- He might be the starting outside corner by the end of August.
With Matt Eberflus dialing up a defense that leans on off-ball coverage, Elam’s aggressive style fits what Dallas wants.
Why These Three Matter
Let’s zoom out for a second. The Cowboys aren’t just plugging roster holes here, they’re uncovering real contributors at positions where:
- Depth is shaky
- Injuries are piling up
- Competition is wide open
Here’s a quick-hit takeaway:
Don’t Be Shocked By These Dark Horses
Every training camp produces at least one surprise player who becomes a season-long contributor. This year, we might be looking at three.
If you’re a Cowboys fan, fantasy player, or just someone keeping tabs on the 53-man roster battle, keep watching Mafah, Winfrey, and Elam.
They’re not just filling space—they’re fighting for meaningful playing time, and in some cases, starting roles.
This is what camp is all about: opportunity meeting preparation. And right now, these three are ready to seize the moment.
I was a fan of Phil Mafah, and I was glad to see we drafted him!! But I think he should’ve been drafted a lot higher than where he was drafted!! He’s better than a 7th rounder!! But with the RBs on our roster, I think it’ll be hard for him to get many touches!! But I think he’s too good not to keep on the 53 man roster!! So hopefully we can keep him some how!! And I’ve said it before, he reminds me of a younger and smaller Derek Henry, and if he’s given the opportunity, I don’t see why he couldn’t be the starter for us in a couple of years!! He’s got the talent, he just needs to get better at a couple small things!! But if he can turn into a complete RB, I think he’ll end up taking the RB1 job!! But that’s just my opinion!! Maybe I’m just a bigger fan than I should be, and seeing something that isn’t there!! But I really don’t think that’s the case!!
Perrion Winfrey didn’t flame out in Cleveland, he just got cut because he got in trouble outside of the organization!! He’s always been a good player, he just had that one issue with the law and Cleveland didn’t even give him a chance!! But it looks like he’s not gonna ruin his 2nd chance to play in the NFL!! I was hoping we would draft him in that draft, but we never got him, but we got him now, and hopefully he’ll be a really good player for us!!
And I knew from the beginning that Kaiir Elam was gonna be a good player for us!! I also wanted him in his draft too, but Buffalo grabbed him before we were on the clock!! And the reason he wasn’t that good in Buffalo is because those coaches didn’t give him a chance!! They pretty much gave up on him after his rookie year, and just acted like they didn’t care about him!! But now that he’s with us, and our coaches are showing him they believe in him and at least act like they want him to succeed, it’s bringing the best out of him!! And that’s all it takes sometimes!!
Looking at Mafah’s Clemson videos I was impressed wit
Looking at Mafah’s Clemson videos I was impressed with the man’s footwork and leg drive! He’s no speedster by any stretch, but that determination and ability to break tackles reminds me of the great John Riggins. Should have been picked higher in the draft, but it seems FB’s have not been in vogue lately. I foresee a very good future for Mafah wherever he ends up!
Agree with everything you said. I do think he will be a running back not fullback. He will just be a bigger/bruiser back.
All 3 are studs, I really like Mafah. Elam looks real good and if Winfrey works out, The Boys will will have hit a triple. If Mafah is given the short yardage attempts he will beat out Williams & Sanders for goal line and 3rd down runs. He isn’t real fast but he can break tackles and keep going. He weighs 250 lbs and will run over any line backer. Winfrey will beat out Mazi, I expect Mazi to either be cut or traded by the deadline. Doubt any team will give up more than a 6th or 7th Round pick for a pathetic 1st Rd pick. Elam has shown himself to be a very solid and exciting corner. He will be a starter for sure, Buffalo missed on him. Just like Dallas blew it on Mazi. But Elam just wasn’t used enough. Mafah will play alot and become a fan favorite along with Winfrey and Elam. Go Cowboys!!!