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49ers vs. Texans: 5 players to watch in preseason Week 2

By Aaron Tan

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass in the second half defended by Angelo Blackson at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass in the second half defended by Angelo Blackson at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Mike McGlinchey #68 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates as he leaves the field following a game against the Temple Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on September 2, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. The Irish won 49-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Mike McGlinchey #68 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates as he leaves the field following a game against the Temple Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on September 2, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. The Irish won 49-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey

First-round rookie Mike McGlinchey has looked like nothing but a stud this training camp/preseason so far.

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He has fared well in protecting Jimmy Garoppolo’s right side against edge rushers in practice, and he proved his worth against Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence last week, keeping him contained for the majority of their snaps on the field.

And get this — this week in joint practice with the Texans he has looked good against arguably the best defensive end in the league, J.J. Watt.

McGlinchey had a slow start to his one-on-one reps with Watt, being pancaked by the former No. 1-rated player in the league in the Top 100 list, but he held his own for the remainder of practice. Merely holding your own against Watt is a remarkable feat, and with each passing day, McGlinchey has looked more and more of a great first-round draft pick for the 49ers.

Next. 10 things to watch for between 49ers, Texans. dark

McGlinchey will be seeing a lot more of Watt this Saturday, and it’ll be very intriguing to see if he can fare as well as he did against Watt in practice.