McCaffrey's presence on the roster has propelled the 49ers to the top of Pro Football Focus' recent rankings of the best running back units in the NFL.
"Christian McCaffrey is PFF's top-ranked running back heading into the 2024 season, so it should be no surprise the Niners take the No. 1 spot here," analyst Trevor Sikkema explained. "McCaffrey generated the most PFF wins above average among running backs last season, at 0.25."
Pro Football Focus contributor Thomas Valentine recently noted, "His 339 touches from scrimmage led the league, and despite the lofty workload, his efficiency was excellent. McCaffrey averaged 5.0 yards per carry and caught 67 passes for 564 yards."
San Francisco recently signed McCaffrey to a two-year extension, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
"Two years ago, we were ecstatic to welcome Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers," general manager John Lynch said via a statement following the signing. "Since his arrival, he's been everything we thought he would be and more. His versatile skillset has been a seamless fit within our offense. His professionalism and work ethic are as exemplary as I've seen since I've been associated with the NFL."
Backing up McCaffrey are Elijah Mitchell and fourth-round draft pick Isaac Guerendo. Mitchell has proven to be a valuable contributor, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt over his career, though he has struggled with injuries.
Guerendo, the fastest running back at the NFL Scouting Combine and the third-fastest player overall in Indianapolis, clocked a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. The 49ers have high hopes for the first-year player.
"Elijah Mitchell also remains a very solid RB2 option with rookie Isaac Guerendo as the upside RB3," Sikkema continued. "Throw All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk into the list, and the 49ers more than deserve this ranking."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Seahawks PFF grades: Best and worst from the playoff game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers' season came to a disappointing end Saturday night with a 41-6 loss to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Here are the best and worst... -
PFF: 49ers' Brock Purdy has matched Patrick Mahomes' grade since 2023
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently evaluated every NFL team's quarterback situation entering the 2026 season, and the San Francisco 49ers were listed among the most stable—largely because of the strength of Brock Purdy's play. In the feature, PFF's John Kosko ranked each... -
49ers' 2026 breakout candidate: PFF highlights rising CB Upton Stout
The San Francisco 49ers selected 11 players in the 2025 NFL Draft, and cornerback Upton Stout may have emerged as the most impactful of the group. As a rookie, Stout appeared in 16 games, made four starts, and played 58 percent of the defensive snaps while serving as the team's... -
NFL insider speculates on why the 49ers passed on signing Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp is headed to his second Super Bowl, set to be played between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers could have used additional help at wide receiver this season amid the ongoing drama surrounding...