San Francisco 49ers tackle Mike McGlinchey was recently named to ESPN's All-Rookie Team. He can add the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team to his list of early-NFL accomplishments.
McGlinchey, who was the No. 9 overall pick in last year's draft, and Braden Smith of the Indianapolis Colts are the two tackles who received the honor. McGlinchey's former Notre Dame teammate, guard Quenton Nelson, was another Colts player making up the all-rookie offensive line.
McGlinchey was the only 49ers player represented on the team.
While McGlinchey had a solid rookie campaign, he knows he can improve headed into his sophomore NFL season. McGlinchey, who is currently in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will join veteran teammate Joe Staley in San Diego, California in late-February to begin training for the rigorous offseason ahead.
"I'm not satisfied with the way I played this year," McGlinchey told reporters on December 31. "Everyone says 'Oh, it was a great rookie year.' I'm not playing to be a great rookie. I'm playing to be the best in the league, and hopefully, in year two, I'll be able to take a huge step forward in accomplishing that goal. We're going to have a hell of an offseason getting ready to do it."
McGlinchey's 73.2 overall Pro Football Focus grade in 2018 ranked second among all rookie offensive lineman and was bested only by Nelson.