If you have watched a significant amount of football over the past decade, odds are you have heard the name Christian McCaffrey. At his peak, he was widely considered the best running back in the NFL, and some still identify him as such. 

But, thanks to a plethora of injuries, the conversation around McCaffrey eventually changed. Instead of talking about McCaffrey's success, it changed to the question of will he play this week?

Once considered a cornerstone piece of the Panthers franchise after being selected eighth overall back in 2017; the Panthers decided they could get more out of him by trading him. So, last season, they traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2023 second-round pick, third-round pick, fourth-round pick, and a fifth-round pick in 2024. 

In 2022, the 49ers came in at 136.8 yards per game rushing, which finished seventh in the league. McCaffrey wasn't there for a full season, as he was traded going into week seven. 

In McCaffery's shortened season in San Francisco, he finished as the leading rusher (in terms of yards), as well as being the fourth-leading receiver (in terms of yards). The other three players ahead of him had been with the 49ers for the whole season.

Now imagine what McCaffery can do with a whole season in San Francisco.

That is exactly what Pro Football Focus is banking on in one of their recent articles. Per PFF, the 49ers have the No. 1 RB group thanks to McCaffrey's 2022 prowess and 2023 projections.

And rightfully so. The 49ers offense was a completely different unit with him on the field.

Christian McCaffrey was everything the 49ers could have hoped for, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and forcing 30 missed tackles on 199 rushing attempts in the regular season and playoffs while Elijah Mitchell produced 75.0-plus PFF rushing grades in each of the past two seasons when healthy.

What makes the ranking unique, however, is the fact the four-time Pro Bowler was also included in the 49ers' receiver conversation.

There are so many receiving weapons to choose from in the Niners offense. They have Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at the receiver positions, George Kittle at tight end and now Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield. From Week 7 on — when they acquired McCaffrey — the 49ers earned the highest team receiving grade in the league at 87.3

Kyle Shanahan's offenses are known for getting yards out the running back position, no matter who is back there. Which means McCaffrey can be subbed out and the 49ers won't lose as much production as the Panthers did when he was off the field. Less time off the field means less risk of injury. Which means we could see the another fully healthy season from Christian McCaffrey.

In Kyle Shanahan's offense, that is scary.

One goal for each 49ers draft pick in training camp and preseason

Making an early impression won’t be easy.

Featured image via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports