The 2024 season started unfavorably for Christian McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers. Initially sidelined by calf and Achilles injuries, he was later diagnosed with bilateral Achilles tendonitis, leading to his placement on injured reserve during the early weeks of the season. McCaffrey's return in Week 10 proved short-lived as he sustained a knee injury, cutting his season to a mere 50 carries for 202 rushing yards and no touchdowns—significantly lower than his prior Offensive Player of the Year performance.

Now, as the 49ers look ahead, head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed confidence in McCaffrey's recovery, indicating that he is healthy and ready to contribute. However, the coaching staff must balance workloads, especially considering McCaffrey's heavy usage in past seasons. Notably, he played over 80% of the snaps in the games he participated in last year, raising concerns about his long-term durability.

In the lead-up to the NFL draft, Mike Clay's 2025 fantasy football rankings highlight the top offensive players without including rookies. Bijan Robinson from the Atlanta Falcons leads the list, showcasing a stellar 2023 season with an average of 23.3 touches and 22.8 fantasy points per game. Following him is Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions, who excelled with 20 touchdowns while maintaining top stats in rushing and receiving. Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey also rank highly, with Barkley achieving an impressive fantasy points average of 22.2 and McCaffrey returning from injuries with expectations of a strong comeback. Other notable mentions include De'Von Achane from the Miami Dolphins, Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, and Josh Jacobs, who had a standout debut season with the Green Bay Packers. As the rankings unfold, the analysis provides valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts preparing for their drafts.

Joe Burrow stands as the top overall pick of the past decade, boasting an impressive 95.3 career PFF grade, reflecting his exceptional performance since being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020. Following him are the Bosa brothers, with Nick Bosa leading all No. 2 picks and Joey Bosa excelling as the highest-graded No. 3 pick. The 2025 NFL Draft is on the horizon, with teams preparing to secure future stars.

Among notable first-round picks, Sauce Gardner is shining with a 90.7 grade, demonstrating his skill as a cornerback for the New York Jets. The list also includes elite talents like Justin Herbert and Jalen Ramsey, while Micah Parsons has made a remarkable transition to edge rusher, showcasing his prowess with a 19.7% pressure rate. As teams look to the draft, the focus will be on maximizing these valuable assets.

The NFL draft is a critical juncture for franchises, where fortunes hinge on the selection of players. In recent years, the value of positions has shifted dramatically, notably with quarterbacks dominating the first round and running backs experiencing a notable devaluation. No running backs were selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, a trend that has emerged in multiple recent drafts, while a record number of quarterbacks have surged to the forefront. This evolution reflects a greater emphasis on passing strategies and highlights the challenges running backs face in garnering elite draft positions.

However, the narrative may be shifting back towards running backs due to standout performances from players like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey, who have excelled in their roles and led their teams deep into the playoffs. The success of these game-changing backs combined with statistics showing an increase in rushing efficiency suggests that teams might reconsider their stance on prioritizing running backs in early rounds. The evolution of drafting trends indicates a possible resurgence in the value of running backs in future drafts, especially with exceptional talents like Ashton Jeanty expected to make waves in the upcoming 2025 draft.

As the Houston Texans approach the NFL Draft, they are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen their roster further despite having signed several impactful free agents. With approximately $18.5 million in cap space available, the team could look to add a veteran receiver, interior lineman, or linebacker with potential to make an immediate difference.

One name that stands out is Will Hernandez, a solid pass-protecting interior lineman who has faced injury challenges in the past but is expected to return to form this season. If Hernandez doesn't re-sign with the Arizona Cardinals, there's a possibility he could make the move to Houston on a one-year contract. The Texans are also in the market for a secondary linebacker and a center to bolster the offensive front as they prepare for the 2025 draft.