Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey
The Niners’ first pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, admitted it was a bit different putting the pads on for the first time since he concluded his collegiate efforts at Notre Dame.
“It’s been about eight months since I’ve put pads on and actually played real football,” McGlinchey told reporters Saturday. “Guys act like it’s a step up in intensity and stuff, but it’s a lot easier for us in the trenches when you put shoulder pads on than when you’re trying to do work in OTAs with just your helmets on.”
Yet Saturday’s session was questionable, at best, for the rookie tackle. During a one-on-one drill against Cassius Marsh, McGlinchey gave up an inside move for what would have been an easy quarterback pressure and sack (h/t Matt Barrows of The Athletic):
McGlinchey made his adjustment later and prevented Marsh from getting behind him. But pass protection was one of McGlinchey’s bigger concerns upon being drafted. It’s looking as if that’s still the case.
“I’m not really counting wins and losses in one-on-ones,” McGlinchey later admitted. “I’m working on technique… working on the timing. Like I said, it was my first live pass-rush rep in eight-plus months, so the timing was a little off, he got into me and did a great job.”
McGlinchey was widely viewed as the best tackle prospect in this year’s draft. And while his run-blocking abilities are exemplary, the Niners will need him to do a better job in pass protection.