The 49ers, at some point, must consider life without Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey remains one of the most explosive and versatile dual-threat running backs in the sport, finishing last season with 2,023 total yards from scrimmage and scoring 21 touchdowns.
But, given how quickly running backs’ careers can go sideways due to injury risk and the physical nature of the position, combined with the talented depth across one of the strongest rosters in the league, San Francisco could look to add McCaffrey’s eventual successor sooner rather than later.
Eventually getting younger at running back is eventually going to need to be a concern for the 49ers, especially once quarterback Brock Purdy signs a contract that will undoubtedly place him among the highest-paid players at the position, if not reset the market entirely.
In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft projection, the 49ers select emerging Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins with the No. 32 overall pick.
“The 49ers offense is centered around Christian McCaffrey,” Chris Trapasso writes for CBS Sports.
“But Judkins could help take some off the veteran running back’s plate as he nears his 30th birthday over the next few seasons. Judkins is super explosive and tough to bring down with sudden changing directions.”
Judkins could be a compelling fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, after rushing for 1,158 yards with 15 touchdowns last season in Ole Miss, before transferring to the Buckeyes this offseason. Likewise, Judkins has caught 37 passes for 281 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
As the 2025 draft cycle nears, Judkins to San Francisco could be an interesting match to watch.
