49ers select OT McGlinchey with No. 9 overall pick

Just when the masses expected John Lynch to trade out of his first-round pick for the second year in a row, the second-year general manager pulled the trigger on an asset that will protect a $137 million investment.

With the ninth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Lynch and the 49ers selected Mike McGlinchey, a 6-foot-8 offensive tackle out of Notre Dame University.

Said McGlinchey on being selected by San Francisco:

“It’s definitely a shock, but absolutely thrilled to be a part of the San Francisco 49ers organization and my family and I couldn’t be happier.”

After redshirting his freshman year as a member of the Fighting Irish in 2013, McGlinchey started in 35 total games over the span of a five-year collegiate career. During that time, McGlinchey helped Notre Dame average over 400 yards per game in two seasons (2014 and 2015) and was also part of a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2017 as the most outstanding offensive line in college football.

Although the 49ers appeared ready to move out of their ninth overall pick after several players presumed to be high on their draft board were selected, Lynch and company decided to take McGlinchey instead.

McGlinchey will likely join a 49ers offensive line in 2018, tasked with protecting 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who signed a lucrative $137.5 million, five-year contract earlier this offseason.

The move to pick McGlinchey, who was regarded as the second-best offensive lineman in the draft behind Quenton Nelson, likely comes as a contingency plan in the event that the 49ers move on from current left tackle Trent Brown.

According to NinersNation.com the 49ers were reported to be shopping Brown for a trade, likely to the Denver Broncos. If in fact that trade transpires, McGlinchey would be the prefered option to step in as a starter in his rookie season.

The other concern that could lead McGlinchey into a starting role at the beginning of the 2018 season is issue Joe Staley’s age. Approaching his 34th birthday in late-August, Staley isn’t getting any younger and as the league continues to speed up, he’ll likely start to slow down.

For McGlinchey, the chance to even be on the same team as Staley comes as a treat:

“Joe Staley was coached by a couple of my coaches at Notre Dame. … I studied Joe (Staley) quite a bit. He’s a phenomenal player and an absolute pro from what I hear. I’m excited to get to know him … it’s going to be an awesome experience.”

With no more first-round picks, the 49ers will likely stay quiet for until Friday evening when they are slated to make three selections — one second-rounder and two third-rounders.