The NFL Network concluded its countdown of the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024, revealing its top 10 players on Thursday. Seven San Francisco 49ers players had previously been named to the top 100 list, and two more names were added with the top 10 reveal.
Running back Christian McCaffrey was named the No. 3 best player in the NFL, an impressive 32-spot rise compared to a year ago.
CMC is #3!@CMC_22 | @49ers pic.twitter.com/Sqi8DfzrwQ
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 3, 2024
Since joining the 49ers via a midseason trade in 2022, McCaffrey has amassed 3,233 scrimmage yards and 31 total touchdowns. His 1,459 rushing yards and 2,023 scrimmage yards last season helped him earn NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
"McCaffrey flourished during his first full season in San Francisco, becoming the NFL's rushing champion (1,459 yards) while leading the league in yards from scrimmage (2,023) and touchdowns (21) in 16 games played," wrote Michael Baca of NFL Media. "The two-time All-Pro running back was the fireball within Kyle Shanahan's potent offense, and opposing defenders had a tough time stopping McCaffrey, who led the NFL in yards after contact (949), according to Next Gen Stats. McCaffrey, whose breakaway speed makes him the prototypical backfield weapon, became the first 49ers player since Jerry Rice (1993) to win Offensive Player of the Year and his image will grace the cover of Madden NFL 25 following his best season to date."
Trent Williams landed at No. 7 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024, a seven-spot rise for the offensive tackle compared to last year. He becomes the first offensive lineman ever to be ranked in the top 10.
.@TrentW71 making Top 100 history! 🙌 @49ers
First O-lineman ever in the top 10 pic.twitter.com/ek6F9ptn7e
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 3, 2024
Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro, did not allow a sack in his 438 pass blocks last season and has allowed only two sacks in the past three seasons, per Pro Football Focus.
"Aging like a fine wine, Williams is the highest-ranking offensive lineman on the Top 100 at 36 years old," wrote Baca. "Anchoring Kyle Shanahan's potent offense the past three seasons, Williams' skill set as an elite run- and pass-blocking left tackle renders the complex scheme into a seemingly painless process. In 2023, the 11-time Pro Bowler earned the second-highest run-blocking grade from PFF (92.5) while helping to pave the way for the league's rushing champion. He also didn't allow a single sack last season despite seeing weekly matchups against the opposition's best pass rusher. It resulted in Williams earning his third consecutive All-Pro honor and receiving the proverbial flowers from his NFL contemporaries."
The NFL Top 100 is unique because it is voted on by the players, making it a tremendous honor to be included. The ranking is based on player performance during the previous year and anticipated performance in the upcoming season. This year's edition was the league's 14th.
Here is where the nine 49ers players landed in this year's NFL Top 100 countdown:
- No. 3: RB Christian McCaffrey
- No. 7: T Trent Williams
- No. 11: LB Fred Warner
- No. 14: TE George Kittle
- No. 28: QB Brock Purdy
- No. 27: DE Nick Bosa
- No. 30: WR Deebo Samuel
- No. 66: WR Brandon Aiyuk
- No. 76: LB Dre Greenlaw
