#9 49ers: OT Mike McGlinchey
From NFLDraftScout.com Profile:
Overview
A three-year starter at Notre Dame, McGlinchey started each of the last 39 games for the Irish and is the latest in the South Bend-to-NFL left tackle pipeline, following in the footsteps of Zack Martin and Ronnie Stanley. As a do-everything player in high school, his development has come a long way the past five years, benefiting from the tutelage of longtime NFL and college offensive line coach Harry Heistand.
While he is an above average athlete for the position, McGlinchey is too reliant on his reach and upper body strength instead of mirroring with his feet, allowing speed to skirt his jabs and win the corner. While his pass protection requires work, he is an outstanding run blocker, overpowering defenders and creating run lanes.
BACKGROUND
A four-star offensive tackle recruit out of high school, Michael “Mike” McGlinchey Jr. started as a tight end at William Penn Charter before moving to left tackle and playing on both sides of the ball. He also attracted recruiting attention as a starter on the basketball team – Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly: “We worry that Mike Brey (Irish head basketball coach) is going to take him from us.” McGlinchey received 20+ football scholarship offers, including Wisconsin and Penn State, but he committed to South Bend shortly after the Irish entered the picture, shutting down his recruitment as a junior at William Penn.
After redshirting in 2013 (and learning behind senior Zack Martin), McGlinchey spent the 2014 season as a back-up before earning his first start at right tackle in the bowl game. He returned to right tackle as a sophomore in 2015 and started all 13 games. With Ronnie Stanley leaving for the NFL, McGlinchey moved to left tackle as a junior and started all 12 games in 2016. He returned for his senior season and again started every game at left tackle.
Analysis
STRENGTHS
Looks the part with a wide base and NFL frame. Enough lateral athleticism to carry rushers to the corner. Doesn’t show any limitations as a cross-formation puller. Basketball background evident with his coordination in space. Aggressive punch and relies on his reach to meet rushers and maintain spacing. Owns the core and grip strength to control the point of attack and move bodies in the run game. Bulldozer on down blocks. Uses body position to shield run lanes, bending at the knees and keeping a flat back. NFL bloodlines – first cousin of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who also attended William Penn Charter. Graduated with a degree in film, television and theatre (May 2017). Two-year team captain and lunch pail worker. Finished his career with 39 consecutive starts – 14 at right tackle followed by 25 at left tackle. – Dane Brugler 12/30/2017
WEAKNESSES
Tardy pass-sets and late to mirror. Forgets his feet and struggles with wide speed. Poor hand/punch timing, allowing rushers to cross his face and wrap his outside shoulder. Hips/butt rise in his kickslide. Only average arm length. Has an answer for the first move, but consistently struggles with counters. Overeager at times in the run game and tips his hand, ending up on the ground. – Dane Brugler 12/30/2017
IN OUR VIEW: Overall, McGlinchey has his warts, especially vs. edge speed, but players with his combination of strength, smarts and intangibles are NFL starter-worthy, projecting similar to Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker.
