The San Francisco 49ers kicked off organized team activities (OTAs) this week. That means players like second-year tackle Mike McGlinchey got a good look at newcomers like pass rusher Dee Ford during team drills for the first time.
McGlinchey spoke with reporters on Tuesday and said he hasn't had an opportunity to hit rookie pass rusher Nick Bosa yet — because everything is non-contact. He won't get a chance to do so until training camp. He has taken notice of Ford's ability on the edge.
"Dee, he's everything that he's advertised," McGlinchey said. "He's in the elite class of his get-off, and the ability to get into people, and take control of blocks. I felt that for the first time in the run game today. You know, how different he is in the timing and the fit on the edge there."
McGlinchey was asked to elaborate on how Ford is different.
"He's just quicker, and he's strong, as well," the tackle responded. "The timing is off. Normally, I'm hitting on the second step just a little bit later, and I'm still in control of the block. With Dee, you've got to be as fast as humanly possible because he's that good at getting into you.
"I'm excited to get to work with him. It's only going to make me better, the rest of out tackles better. He's going to be special for us this year. We're certainly glad he's on our side now."
In March, the 49ers sent a second-round pick in next year's draft to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Ford, who recorded a career-high 13 sacks, 55 combined tackles, and seven forced fumbles in 2018.
The video below is courtesy of Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.