49ers rookie spotlight: What to expect from OT Mike McGlinchey in 2018

Niner Noise takes a look at the San Francisco 49ers’ top pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, and breaks down what to expect from him this season.

While most thought the San Francisco 49ers would use their first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on a defensive player, general manager John Lynch elected to target Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey at No. 9 instead.

It was a bit of a shock, initially. But the pick made more sense the following day after the Niners traded right tackle Trent Brown to the New England Patriots.

Just like that, San Francisco had its new starter in place.

San Francisco 49ers

Barring any major setbacks or injury, McGlinchey will open up his rookie season as the team’s starting right tackle. His competition for the position, while there, will be limited. Other tackle options include swing tackle Garry Gilliam, veteran offensive lineman Zane Beadles and second-year O-lineman Erik Magnuson, among others.

Given the team’s investment, McGlinchey should have every opportunity to win out the offseason camp competition.

But what should we expect out of the former Fighting Irish talent?

Mike McGlinchey’s Strengths

Where McGlinchey wins — notably where Brown lost — is in run support.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso referred to McGlinchey as a “dominant, powerful run blocker.” Meanwhile, Brown had a paltry 50.3 run-blocking grade last season, per Pro Football Focus.

So you can understand the 49ers’ decision to make the switch from Brown to McGlinchey, especially after this from former KNBR 680 insider Kevin Jones:

McGlinchey gives head coach Kyle Shanahan the option to open up his outside-zone running game to both sides of the O-line.

And it isn’t as if McGlinchey is a scheme fit either. Outside zone requires quick and nimble linemen, which is exactly how NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described McGlinchey in his pre-NFL Draft scouting report.

Mike McGlinchey’s Weaknesses

While run blocking is already a major strength for McGlinchey, his pass-protection abilities are a bit suspect.

Trapasso points out issues with McGlinchey’s abilities against speed rushers. And his 6-foot-8, 309-pound frame could have problems right now against bigger and faster edge rushers off the outside.

Because of this, it’s not surprising to see some analysts look at McGlinchey as a right tackle only at the next level — the spot where he’ll have to face quality pass-rushers less often.

That’s a concern, especially over the long term, as left tackle Joe Staley will turn 34 years old when the 2018 season starts. Ideally, the 49ers would like McGlinchey to bump over to the left side of the line when Staley eventually retires.

How the 49ers will use McGlinchey in 2018

The good news is McGlinchey won’t be expected to handle left tackle duties right away. San Francisco opened up the right side of the line for McGlinchey to start on day one.

While Brown was one of the better pass blockers in the NFL last season, the Niners will likely see a slight drop in pass protection from this side of the line. This could be something of a problem, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo posted a slightly worrisome 63.3 passer rating when facing pressure, per Pro Football Focus.

McGlinchey will need to work on his technique here, and that’s likely going to be his primary objective between now and the start of the regular season.

However, San Francisco’s ground game should see a major spike. McGlinchey’s pass-blocking abilities will help open up running plays along both sides of the O-line.

And that only serves to make Shanahan’s run game all the more potent. In turn, this should open things up for Garoppolo and the passing game too.

Next: 3 rookies who will start right away for the 49ers in 2018

So while McGlinchey is far from the perfect prospect — few are — the overall impact should be pretty substantial. If he’s able to hone his pass-blocking abilities, there’s little doubt the Niners will have a top-tier offensive tackle on their roster for a long, long time.