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San Francisco 49ers: 4 players who’ll benefit the most from Jimmy Garoppolo’s return

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/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: Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey

Sticking with the offensive line theme and how Jimmy Garoppolo will provide a positive impact, another player who’ll benefit a ton with Jimmy G under center is second-year pro offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey.

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There’s little doubting the 49ers made the right choice grabbing McGlinchey with the No. 9 overall pick in 2018. But pass protection was never McGlinchey’s forte at Notre Dame, and that carried over into his rookie season.

All told, McGlinchey allowed a team-high five sacks his first year, along with 23 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

Some of these can be attributed to McGlinchey’s rookie shortcomings. But Garoppolo’s backups, quarterbacks C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens, also bear a portion of the blame, too. Mullens, while quick at getting the ball out, didn’t possess the best poise within the pocket. Beathard, meanwhile, was terrible in feeling pressure.

Garoppolo’s composure within the pocket, and his ability to work within the abilities of his blockers, should be a welcomed relief by McGlinchey, who’ll look to improve his pass-protection abilities in year two of his pro career.