NFL Exec Says 49ers' Christian McCaffrey Still 'The Best Player on the Field At Times'

Despite an injury-riddled 2024 season, San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is still considered one of the best players at his position.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler polled a group of over 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts who ranked McCaffrey at No. 5 on the list of top 10 running backs entering the 2025 season. One NFC scout said he can still be a game-changer despite his durability concerns.

"He's still the prototype—and the best player on the field at times," the scout told Fowler.

McCaffrey was limited to four games in 2024 after missing the start of the season with Achilles tendonitis and suffering a PCL injury upon his return. He finished the year with 202 yards on 50 carries and 15 catches for 146 yards, and he didn't reach the end zone for the first time in his eight-year career. It was a far cry from his 2023 Offensive Player of the Year campaign in which he totaled 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns.

The 49ers are certainly hoping that McCaffrey will be able to stay healthy in 2025 as they try to bounce back from last year's disappointing 6-11 finish.