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Mike McGlinchey: Projecting 49ers’ offensive tackle’s role in 2018

By Florito Maniego

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers acquired Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Niner Noise discusses his role with the team in 2018 and the following years.

The pick of Mike McGlinchey initially came as a surprise, considering the San Francisco 49ers have other pressing needs on the roster. However, with the current situation on the offensive line, the selection makes a lot of sense.

Starting left tackle Joe Staley will turn 34 years old come the 2018 season and McGlinchey could be a possible replacement once he retires.

ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that San Francisco has traded right tackle Trent Brown to the New England Patriots.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan did not see Brown as a long-term solution to protect quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Although, by drafting McGlinchey, the 49ers could potentially have a day-one starter in place to take over Brown’s former spot.

If the trade gets finalized after Brown’s pending physical, McGlinchey will likely start at right tackle opposite of Staley. McGlinchey should then become an integral piece to Shanahan’s offense, especially with his exceptional run-blocking skills.

The 6-foot-8 and 312-pound Notre Dame product was, overall, considered as the top offensive tackle in this year’s draft class. Particularly, Pro Football Focus Draft gave McGlinchey the highest run-block grade of 95.0 among all draft-eligible offensive tackles.

As of now, Garry Gilliam is the only competition McGlinchey legitimately has heading into training camp. But, basing off his impressive college career and because San Francisco has moved on from Brown, it seems McGlinchey has locked a starting role.

During a press conference on April 26, Shanahan stated his plan for McGlinchey moving forward.

"He can play either tackle. He can start in this league as a right tackle, left tackle, swing tackle. I’m sure he can help us at guard, too."

In the long run, McGlinchey is a solid option to protect the team’s biggest investment in Garoppolo. Also due to Staley’s age, McGlinchey could be the 49ers’ next offensive tackle of the future.

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Drafting a young offensive tackle this year is also an excellent move in Lynch and Shanahan’s part. Before he steps away from the game, Staley could serve as a mentor to McGlinchey and help the rookie rise to the next level.

McGlinchey needs more work on his pass-blocking technique, and Staley can definitely help him improve in that area. Especially against the NFL’s premier edge rushers, McGlinchey will have to work on protecting Garoppolo better.

Though, right from the get-go, McGlinchey should help improve the 49ers’ rushing attack. San Francisco only ranked 21st in total rushing yards in 2017 and McGlinchey can certainly add an extra boost to the run game.

With Shanahan likely to heavily use running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida, McGlinchey can be a huge factor in gaining those extra yards on offense.

Despite the Niners’ other dire needs particularly on defense, Lynch and Shanahan made the right move drafting McGlinchey. San Francisco decided to move on from Brown and took into consideration that Staley may only have a few years left in his tank.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: What to expect from the 49ers on day two

Garoppolo will need a long-term edge protector and McGlinchey might just be the answer. With his athleticism and promising potential, McGlinchey is a formidable pickup who could be a key piece to Shanahan’s offense for many years.