Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Analyzing the 2018 rookie NFL Draft class one year later

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass and runs for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass and runs for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 23: Justin Houston #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs tries to rush the passer against Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

2. Mike McGlinchey, Tackle

2018 ranking prediction: 1st 

What I said:

"I know, what a shocking selection to put Mike McGlinchley at No. 1. It’s an obvious choice, though. The 49ers pushed their chips into the table after trading Trent Brown to the New England Patriots and said “This is our guy.” The plan is obvious. McGlinchley will start at right tackle, as he waits to take over the reins of Joe Staley on the blindside. McGlinchley was not a player I saw realistically going to the 49ers, but it’s clear they didn’t believe in Brown, and they needed a heir to Staley sooner rather than later. McGlinchley is a stronger player in the run game currently, but he should be able to bring his pass protection up to speed in time."

2018 production:

It was very tough deciding between No. 2 or No. 1 for offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, and I’ll detail why in the next slide.

McGlinchey was rock solid, rated above average by Pro Football Focus as the 25th best tackle. As I said last year, McGlinchey was stronger in the run game and that was exactly what happened.

To be clear, he wasn’t a liability when it came to pass blocking, but he was just so much stronger with the run. He got a 78.2 run blocking grade from PFF and played over 1,000 snaps and started every game.

In short, he had a more than acceptable rookie season as the ninth overall pick last year.

2019 selection:

I don’t want to shock anybody, but I think his spot at right tackle is more than secure for the upcoming season.