Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 best player additions for 2018

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 08: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers stops short of the endzone on a 51-yard run against Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks to run down the clock late in the fourth quarter on December 8, 2013 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The play set up the winning field goal as the 49ers won 19-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 08: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers stops short of the endzone on a 51-yard run against Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks to run down the clock late in the fourth quarter on December 8, 2013 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The play set up the winning field goal as the 49ers won 19-17. (Photo by Brian Bahr/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) /

No. 3: Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey

Team Need: 4

Projected Role: 5

Traditional Stats: 3

Analytical Stats: 4

Potential Impact: 4

Coming in at No. 3 on this list is the 49ers’ No. 1 pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey.

At first, it seemed as if the Niners were reaching to address needs at right tackle. After all, they had Trent Brown under contract. But Brown was a massive liability in run support, whereas McGlinchey is the exact opposite — a solid run-blocking tackle with stellar movement abilities.

Notice the trend of Kyle Shanahan-like players? The 49ers moved Brown to the New England Patriots the day after landing McGlinchey.

Upgrading this crucial spot increased the overall team-need value, and McGlinchey’s role in 2018 is already cemented in as a starter. That’s high too.

Where McGlinchey struggled, though, is in pass protection. From our “Who Is?” breakdown on McGlinchey last month:

"His 96.9 PFF pass-blocking efficiency last year ranked 43rd among all draft-eligible tackles. He also allowed three sacks and 11 hurries last year, which is a bit higher than you’d like to see for an elite-level tackle prospect."

The 49ers hope McGlinchey can develop these skills quickly, using his athleticism and prowess to anchor one side of the offensive line for the next 10 years.

Cumulative Value: 4.0