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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, stats for 2018

By Aaron Tan

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

I was a little bit shocked when Commissioner Roger Goodell read offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey’s name off the 49ers’ first-round draft selection card, but then I remembered what I wrote months ago on Niner Noise about the possibility of drafting McGlinchey.

Ever since the initial shock I experienced when McGlinchey was drafted, I have been liking the pick more and more. Former 49ers right tackle Trent Brown is gone to the New England Patriots, and legendary left tackle Joe Staley is reaching the final years of his career.

And McGlinchey himself? He is a very solid right tackle, who can hold his own against defensive ends and edge rushers right away. He is better at run blocking than he is at pass protection, but he’s only a rookie. He will continue to get better and has a great mentor in Staley, who will try to pass the torch as best as he can.

McGlinchey will immediately slide into the starting lineup as right tackle and not only open big running lanes for running back Jerick McKinnon but do a nice job of protecting Jimmy Garoppolo.

McGlinchey will allow seven sacks this upcoming season, which is my only stat prediction for him since he is a rookie offensive lineman.