The San Francisco 49ers players have gone their separate ways, but players are still hanging out and working together to prepare for the coming season. Mike McGlinchey spoke to the media at the end of the season, and told beat writer Eric Branch that he will return to California in February to train with Joe Staley in San Diego. He said the two will work together before reporting for the offseason workout program on April 15th. Imagine all the karaoke that will come out of San Diego!
McGlinchey was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie team for this past season, and will likely earn an AP All Rookie team nod when that is announced. McGlinchey had a strong year as a run blocker, and showed improvement over the season as a pass blocker. That’s the area he needs to improve in 2019, but he showed signs of what he could become. The 49ers invested a first round pick in him last year, and thus far it is paying dividends.
McGlinchey’s long-term role with the 49ers is still up in the air. Joe Staley is signed through 2019, and has said he will take it year-to-year after that. If he were to retire in the next couple years, the logical thought is to move McGlinchey from right tackle to left tackle. He was stronger at right tackle than left tackle in college, but we’ll have to wait and see how the 49ers might view him.