49ers vs. Vikings: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 1

Right Tackle Mike McGlinchey

Just as the Vikings defensive line was renowned for its run defense, it also wasn’t too shabby when it comes to rushing the passer. The Vikings finished 2017 with 37 sacks, which may not seem like a lot, but their talent far exceeds their sack totals.

San Francisco 49ers

At defensive end in their 4-3 scheme (four defensive linemen, three linebackers), the Vikings have Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter. Griffin is a three-time Pro Bowler, while Hunter has 25.5 sacks in just three seasons. Both players are extremely talented and wreck havoc on the edges.

All of this just proves why rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey‘s play is going to be important. The 49ers can already expect left tackle Joe Staley to be ready and basically neutralize one of these talented ends. That leaves another out of Griffin and Hunter to push back on McGlinchey.

Adding the hostile environment, the first-game jitters and the lack of an established veteran next to you at right guard, this might be one of the worst ways for a rookie offensive lineman to start his career.

This is what makes McGlinchey an important player to watch.

If he is able to hold his own against the ferocious pass rush of the Vikings, it not bodes well for the 49ers future, it also indicates that the offensive line is doing its job.

McGlinchey won’t be perfect in his first-ever meaningful NFL game. But if he can just be adequate, the 49ers would have already won this matchup.