How the 49ers are Proceeding With Potential Starters at Right Tackle
When Mike McGlinchey left in free agency, he created a vacancy at the starting right tackle position for the 49ers.
McGlinchey had held it down there since 2018, so this is uncharted territory for them essentially. The 49ers did not draft a single offensive tackle in this year's draft, nor did they find a feasible starter in free agency. McGlinchey wasn't the greatest right tackle, but there was at least a sizeable gap between him and the next man on the depth chart.
And yet, the 49ers are looking to run it with Colton McKivitz as the starter... for now. It is definitely a risk going with a guy who hasn't had the most inspiring performances, but this is where the 49ers are. How they are going to proceed with potential starters at right tackle is McKivitz gets the first crack until he plays himself out of it. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster gave a fairly detailed overview of the 49ers' plan at right tackle with some praise on McKivitz.
"Colton, he's done a great job for us through the years he's been here. He’s always had to fill in short spells and has done a good job for us. I think that knowing the job is his coming into it and it's his job to lose kind of, although there will be guys that are there to compete if it doesn't work out. I think it is also going to help build his confidence. He is good for the position.
"He is a very good run blocker, and his protection is really solid and consistent. He's got a consistent personality. He's a really tough, hardworking guy. He's a great character guy. This now is your job to kind of work with and play through, so I'm excited for his opportunity. Once you get out there and things start going, you hope he hangs in there."
It is going to take everything within Foerster's power to develop McKivitz into an adequate starter. Being sufficient will not be good enough or sustainable for the 49ers for the longevity of their season. Defenses are definitely going to overload his side with pass rushers in every facet. They might not even need to if he is getting worked against his sole pass rusher anyways. Forester has his work cut out for him in getting McKivitz at a solid level.
And if they can't tell early on, which they will be able to when the 49ers hold a joint practice in August with the Raiders, then they will pivot next up on the depth chart.
