SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft was all about the player they acquired with their second-round pick.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, acquired last year from the Patriots in exchange for the Niners’ 2018 second-round pick, is the franchise — his recently signed $137.5 million contract indicates as much — and on Thursday, the 49ers made a move to protect that investment.
Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey was the safe selection at No. 9. He’s an impressive run blocker who seems like the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone-heavy offensive scheme and a viable option to protect Garoppolo for the next decade.