How the 49ers are Benefiting from Christian McCaffrey Participating in OTAs

Elite and veteran players normally do not participate in OTAs with their teams.

If there is any participation, it is usually light for about a few reps and then they call it a day. Deebo Samuel, for example, wasn't out there in attendance when the 49ers held their open OTAs. Fred Warner was there, but he did not suit up or participate.

Christian McCaffrey, however, was active and lively, which is extraordinary to see. He isn't a player who has to prove anything, nor does he directly benefit from participating. He already is entrenched in the offense, and everyone knows the player he is. But what he is doing is being a selfless leader by increasing the quality of practices at OTAs through his participation, and the 49ers are benefiting from it extensively.

“Ge sets the standard," Trey Lance said. "He's quickly grown into a great leader in our locker room. And I think a lot of guys had a feeling that that would happen pretty quickly just based on who he is. And after meeting him, how he carries himself. Just a very impressive human being. Some people call him like a little [DL Nick] Bosa, just the way he's just so meticulous with his routine and how he takes care of his body. And I've learned a ton from him, not only football, but being able to talk ball with him is awesome just because he's seen so many different offenses, defenses and looks. Just being able to be around him as far as his routine and how meticulous he is.”

The acquisition of McCaffrey continues to look better and better for the 49ers. Not only did they get a tremendous player who elevates the offense through multiple elements, but he is being a positive impact on the rest of the team as well. Lance is benefitting from it and the players who are participating in OTAs are feeling it as well.

“Christian, we all know how he is as a player," said Sam Darnold. "Christian's a great player who can go out and make plays not only in the run game, but in the pass game as well. Then coming in here as well, it's always nice when you have someone that you know and that you're buddies with. When you're coming to a new place, being able to have a familiar face coming in is always nice.”

Again, McCaffrey doesn't have to be out there for OTAs. He could take the easy route and not be there or just show up for moral support like the majority of elite and veteran players do. But he's electing to be out there with his guys and showing why he is a true leader on the 49ers.