Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 best storylines for 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Mike McGlinchey Becoming an Offensive Line Anchor

Fred Warner was a solid pickup, for sure. But the 49ers’ first selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, raised a few eyebrows when it was announced. But then San Francisco moved right tackle Trent Brown to the New England Patriots, all but cementing McGlinchey as a plug-and-play starter.

Just as impressive as Matt Breida making his mark, McGlinchey has been another prime reason behind the Niners’ rushing attack.

Case in point, Pro Football Focus ranks McGlinchey the No. 5 pass-blocking tackle through Week 14. Not the fifth-best rookie, the fifth-best pro.

There’s this to consider too:

With left tackle Joe Staley getting close to the end of his outstanding career, the Niners should take comfort knowing they have a bookend right tackle to anchor the offensive line for a long time.

Besides, Staley is still playing at a high level despite being 34 years old. So no one should expect any serious regression from the O-line anytime soon, sparking even more hope for 2019.