The 49ers are one of four teams showing significant interest in Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, according to former Broncos offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus. who works as a radio personality in Denver.

49ers first-year coach Kyle Shanahan was on hand at McCaffrey’s pro day last week. San Francisco could use a change-of-pace option behind Carlos Hyde and will likely add depth at running back through the draft, which is expected to be deep at the position.

McCaffrey, of course, will be much more than a backup running back in the NFL. He showcased elite route running from the backfield and slot during the combine and pro day, which is why he’s a first-round prospect.

“I think that’s what makes him valuable,” Shanahan said. “He can do a little bit of everything, whether it’s special teams, the skill positions on the offense, except for maybe quarterback, maybe not tight end either. He’s good at it all, he’s very versatile. He’s also a running back, which makes him pretty special.”

McCaffrey in 2015 set an NCAA record with 3,864 all-purpose yards. He ranked second in the country with 2,019 yards rushing, adding 645 receiving and 1,070 returning kicks. He followed it up last season with 1,639 on the ground.

McCaffrey (5-11, 202) is a similar player to Devonta Freeman (5-8, 206), whom Shanahan coached the last two seasons with the Falcons. Freeman was half of Atlanta’s two-pronged rushing attack with Tevin Coleman that ranked fifth, balancing out the NFL’s top-scoring offense.

If there’s a knock on McCaffrey, it’s his size and ability to hold up against bigger, more physical defenders in the pros.

The 49ers have the second- and 34th-overall picks in the draft next month. McCaffrey appears unlikely to last to 34, however, and it might take maneuvering to the middle- or late-portion of Round 1 to get him.