Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey vs. Defensive Tackle J.J. Watt
Well, isn’t this a matchup to watch — the rookie versus the All-Pro.
49ers first-round rookie, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, was tasked with handling Texans star defensive tackle J.J. Watt in one-on-one drills early on Wednesday.
The first drill didn’t exactly go well for McGlinchey, who was easily bottled up and pushed to the ground by Watt (h/t San Jose Mercury News‘ Cam Inman):
Early action between #49ers #Texans:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 15, 2018
Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins fights Jimmie Ward, Hopkins kicked off field but shakes Ward’s hand on way out
Mike McGlichey MET Texans J.J. Watt. “Welcome to the NFL” pic.twitter.com/3DK8CfTK3p
Fortunately for McGlinchey, his second rep against Watt went a lot better (h/t Eric Branch of SFGate.com):
Rookie RT Mike McGlinchey holds his own vs. J.J. Watt. #49ers pic.twitter.com/BYXP9Pd27a
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 15, 2018
The Niners brought McGlinchey in during the 2018 NFL Draft primarily due to his excellent run-blocking abilities. Pass protection wasn’t exactly his strength at Notre Dame. Given the number of quality strong-side edge rushers McGlinchey will face this season, the added reps against a player of Watt’s caliber should be vital for the rookie’s development.