How drafting Mike McGlinchey solidified 49ers' offensive line for future

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The 49ers’ selection of Mike McGlinchey with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 draft is expected to have an impact on the position group for a while.

CEO Jed York, general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan spoke about many things while at the NFL owners meetings. One topic that was noticeably infrequent was the status of the 49ers' offensive line. 

McGlinchey is the heir apparent for veteran left tackle Joe Staley, and the pair has become a complementary set of bookends for the offensive line. During his first season McGlinchey showed that he has the mettle and ability to be a leader on the offensive line for years to come.

McGlinchey has used Staley as a resource and a mentor as he transitioned into the NFL. In turn, the veteran’s attitude and enjoyment of the game appears to be rejuvenated. He and Staley have become inseparable which could influence the veteran’s retirement plan. 

Staley is the only lineman to not be under contract after the 2019 season which will be his 13th year with the organization. 

Of all the position groups on the team, the offensive line has been the most consistent. The 49ers had the same statring five members for all but one game during the 2018 season. They will likely have the same lineup heading into 2019 as well. 

During the offseason, the 49ers locked down guard Mike Person with a three-year $8.25 million extension keeping him under contract until 2021. Person was originally drafted by the team in 2011 before getting cut prior to the 2012 season. 

Person spent time on four other teams before landing back in Santa Clara in 2018, signing a one-year agreement. 

Center Weston Richburg is the only member of the offensive line to have a contract that goes past 2021. He was one of the bigger free agent signings of the 2018 offseason, and his five-year $47.5 million agreement goes through the 2022 season. 

Richburg was the only 49ers' offensive lineman to miss a game in 2018. He sat out of the team’s Week 8 matchup with the Cardinals due to a knee injury but came back and started the remaining eight games. He had surgery during the offseason to remedy the issue.

Guard Laken Tomlinson signed a four-year, $18.1 million extension in 2018 to remain under contract through the 2021 season. He was acquired by the 49ers in 2017 via trade with the Lions who received a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft in exchange. 

[RELATED: Richburg looks ahead to 2019]

The only question Shanahan was asked regarding the offensive line was about swing tackle Shon Coleman. He explained that Coleman will bring competition to the group, but barring any unexpected events, Shanahan doesn’t plan on making any changes to the starting lineup.

It appears that Jimmy Garoppolo’s protection is set for another season.

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