ESPN's Jeremy Fowler kicked off his annual NFL position rankings on Monday by unveiling the league's top running backs. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, reflecting the league's top players entering the 2026 season rather than their career accomplishments.

So where did San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey land? He came in at No. 4.


Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson claimed the top spot, followed by Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs and Philadelphia Eagles standout Saquon Barkley.

McCaffrey's fourth-place ranking marks a one-spot improvement from last year, when he was coming off an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. It's worth noting that he entered the 2024 rankings as the NFL's No. 1 running back.

The 49ers leaned heavily on McCaffrey last season. He led the NFL with a career-high 413 touches during the regular season, totaling 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns. He then added 37 more touches for 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns during the playoffs.

Despite the impressive production, McCaffrey averaged just 3.9 yards per carry—his lowest mark since 2020, when he averaged 3.8 yards per attempt in an injury-shortened season.

"One factor: The 49ers ranked 29th in rushing yards before contact (2.04)," Fowler wrote.


One NFC executive believes McCaffrey can still be a difference-maker but suggested his days as the league's premier running back may be winding down.

"He's declined some -- I think you will see more juice if he doesn't have to be the focal point of both the run and pass game," the executive told Fowler. "But he's such an elite overall player with versatility who takes care of himself that he can be a top guy for at least one more year."

Fowler noted that McCaffrey challenged Barkley for the No. 3 spot but ultimately received more votes outside the top five, leaving him just behind the Eagles star in the final rankings.

ESPN's running back ranking:

  1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
  2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
  3. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
  4. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
  5. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
  6. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
  7. James Cook III, Buffalo Bills
  8. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
  9. Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs
  10. Breece Hall, New York Jets


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