The San Francisco 49ers selected Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey with the No. 9 pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday.
MIKE McGLINCHEY
Position: Offensive tackle
College: Notre Dame
Height: 6-8
Weight: 309
Selection: First round (No. 9 overall)
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Scouting report: McGlinchey was widely considered the top tackle in this draft and only behind Notre Dame teammate Quenton Nelson as the top offensive lineman entering the league. He has a background as a tight end. He has good athleticism. After playing right tackle for his first two college seasons, he moved to the left side as a junior before turning pro.
Projected role: The 49ers selected McGlinchey over such options as defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James, and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The club has the option of trying McGlinchey initially at guard to see if he fits into the competition on the interior offensive line. Regardless, his future is at tackle, where Joe Staley and Trent Brown are now stationed. Brown will miss the offseason program due to shoulder surgery but should be back for training camp. Brown enters the final year of his contract, and the 49ers have shown no interest in signing him to a long-term contract extension. If Brown is out of shape when he returns to the playing field, McGlinchey can easily fit in that job. In his second season, that should be no question who will start at right tackle. After Staley's career is over, McGlinchey can step in at left tackle.
