SANTA CLARA — The 49ers made a massive $137.5 million investment in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in February.
On Thursday, in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 49ers made a move to protect that investment.
The selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey with the ninth overall pick in the draft fills a need for the 49ers both now and later, and while San Francisco general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan likely selected McGlinchey a bit earlier than was expected or necessary, it’s a solid pick for San Francisco.
McGlinchey is a big (6-foot-8), long (34 inch arms), and athletic (all you have to do is watch his tape) offensive lineman who should fit Shanahan’s offensive scheme, which is heavy on zone blocking.