McGlinchey excited to call Staley, Garoppolo teammates

Share

SANTA CLARA -- While the 49ers ignored him for two months after the NFL Scouting Combine, Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey took a visit to meet with the Atlanta Falcons.

On his trip to Flowery Branch, Georgia, he saw his first cousin – his mother’s sister’s son – quarterback Matt Ryan. He thought it was a real possibility of playing for the Falcons, owners of the No. 26 overall draft pick.

So when the 49ers called him on Thursday night when they were on the clock with the ninth selection, McGlinchey was more than a little surprised.

On the 49ers Insider Podcast, McGlinchey said after the initial shock, he is thrilled to come to the Bay Area. In a visit to team's Santa Clara headquarters the day after the draft, McGlinchey met two of his highest-profile new teammates: six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

“Joe’s a guy I’ve studied and admired for a long time,” McGlinchey said. “Now to be his teammate is a pretty sweet deal for me.”

McGlinchey explained: “The edge that he plays with, and the technique that he plays with, you try to pull and use in your own game. He’s been a consistent force out there forever. Joe is awesome, and I can’t wait to learn from him and try to see it up-close and in-person now."

McGlinchey said he was equally excited about being teammates with Garoppolo. He said he was able to recognize in a short period of time why there's an aura surrounding Garoppolo.

“Everybody around here is certain that he’s going to be the guy who brings the 49ers back to where they’re supposed to be,” McGlinchey said. “And when you’re around him for 5 to 10 minutes, you can get that feel, as well.

“I’m excited to block for him and keep him upright and keep him helping us win football games.”

After months of workouts, testing and interviews during the pre-draft process, McGlinchey will get back on the field this week for the 49ers’ rookie minicamp. The workouts will include the team's nine draft picks, approximately a dozen undrafted rookies who’ve signed three-year contracts and other players invited to participate in tryouts.

“I’m ready to get back to work,” McGlinchey said. “It’s been a long couple of months off, and I don’t like being without football for very long. So I’m ready to get it rolling.”

Contact Us