NFL Running Back Rankings for 2023: #7 Christian McCaffrey - San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey has absolutely had some major injury problems throughout his career as a pro. But, he's also had some majorly epic seasons. A few years ago, he was a top three back easily.
McCaffrey had an epic college career at Stanford University. In 2015 as a sophomore, he ran for over 2,000 rushing yards while also having 600+ receiving yards. He broke Barry Sanders's NCAA record for most all purpose yards that season as McCaffrey also returned kicks.
McCaffrey was drafted by the Panthers in 2017 with the 8th overall pick and it didn't take him long to adjust to the pro game. In 2019 McCaffrey had an insane season where he ran for 1,000 yards AND had 1,000 receiving yards. He also had 116 receptions which is an NFL record for a running back!
According to Wikipedia, here's some of Christian's accomplishments. Already a legend thanks to these records.
In 2022 McCaffrey played his first healthy season since 2019 and he really reminded everyone just how good he is. He was traded from the struggling Panthers, to the contending 49ers and he made an immediate impact. In just 12 games played with the Niners, he had 1,210 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. He helped the 49ers get to the NFC Title game as well.
All in all, Christian McCaffrey is one of the most dangerous players in the league when healthy. It's a shame he was injured in 2020 and 2021, but he's still just 27. He's on a contending 49ers team and I think he'll be motivated to have his best year yet.