49ers NFL Draft: Biggest winners, losers from 2021

Winner: 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey

Perhaps no other offensive lineman on San Francisco’s roster received more scrutiny last season than right tackle Mike McGlinchey.

While McGlinchey’s run-blocking efforts were solid, his pass-protection skills certainly didn’t improve in 2020, and there were questions surrounding whether or not the 49ers would look to eventually replace him with one of the many top-end tackles available in this year’s NFL Draft.

Perhaps they will still look to make a change, but that won’t happen anytime soon.

The Niners picked up McGlinchey’s fifth-year option, which will net the former Notre Dame starter $10.88 million fully guaranteed in 2022. And while San Francisco added two new offensive linemen in the draft, Notre Dame’s Aaron Banks and Western Michigan’s Jaylon Moore, they both project as guards and shouldn’t be considered immediate threats to push McGlinchey off the roster.

If anything, Banks’ presence on the roster could help make McGlinchey’s life much easier.

All the injuries to the 49ers offensive line last year prompted a revolving door within its interior, namely at center and right guard. Getting some consistency back, particularly to McGlinchey’s left at right guard with Banks, could mean his own efforts see some noticeable improvement.

At least based on the picked-up option, the Niners are envisioning that, too.