NFL Draft: Grading each 2018 first-round pick after Week 11

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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 23: Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammate Mike McGlinchey #69 and Garrett Celek #88 after scoring a touchdown agains the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

9. San Francisco 49ers: Mike McGlinchey, OT

Pretty much nothing has gone the way they wanted it to this season for the San Francisco 49ers. They lost quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a torn ACL in Week 3. Even with him starting, they were just 1-2, and haven’t done any better without him.

Part of what made his injury so hard to take was the 49ers made a move in the draft to help protect their $137 million investment. With the No. 9 overall pick, they selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey.

The cousin of Matt Ryan, McGlinchey was taken rather high considering he’s a right tackle and not a left. With the Niners feeling comfortable with Joe Staley on one side, they decided it was worth it to solidify their line with this selection.

While keeping Garoppolo healthy didn’t pan out — he was hurt while running and not in the pocket — that doesn’t mean this was a bad pick. McGlinchey has been solid, but not great this season. He’s had some really good outings and he’s also looked like a rookie a time or two.

In all, this was a good pick and he’s going to be a starter for a very long time in the NFL.

Grade: B+

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