San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 49ers' 2018 NFL Draft picks by impact

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 49ers’ 2018 NFL Draft picks by immediate impact

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) /

10 of 10

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) /

1. Mike McGlinchley, Tackle, Notre Dame (Pick 9)

I know, what a shocking selection to put Mike McGlinchley at No. 1.

It’s an obvious choice, though. The 49ers pushed their chips into the table after trading Trent Brown to the New England Patriots and said “This is our guy.”

The plan is obvious. McGlinchley will start at right tackle, as he waits to take over the reins of Joe Staley on the blindside. McGlinchley was not a player I saw realistically going to the 49ers, but it’s clear they didn’t believe in Brown, and they needed a heir to Staley sooner rather than later.

McGlinchley is a stronger player in the run game currently, but he should be able to bring his pass protection up to speed in time.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: 2018 NFL Draft recap, best & worst picks

It’s a solid, if not exactly sexy, selection. I fully expect it to pan out and for him to be the Week 1 starter opposite Staley.