ESPN handed out its NFC West awards this week, and unsurprisingly, the division champion Los Angeles Rams walked away with two of the four. Running back Todd Gurley was named the Offensive MVP while defensive tackle Aaron Donald earned Defensive MVP honors.
Coach of the Year went to Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, a team that was seemingly a shell of its former self on paper yet managed to earn a playoff berth.
The 49ers were represented among the awards as well. McGlinchey was named the division's Rookie of the Year.
"The immediate returns on McGlinchey have been positive, particularly in the area most expected, the run game," wrote Nick Wagoner of ESPN, who represented the 49ers among the reporters handing out the awards.
McGlinchey, who doesn't put much stock in Pro Football Focus' grading system, ranked as the second-highest graded run blocker among NFL tackles and fourth among all offensive linemen across the league, according to the analytics site. By comparison, his counterpart on the other side, veteran Joe Staley, ranked eighth among NFL tackles.
San Francisco envisions McGlinchey eventually replacing Staley, who is preparing to enter his 13th NFL season and final contract year with the 49ers, on the left side of the offensive line.
McGlinchey's 73.2 overall Pro Football Focus grade in 2018 ranked second among all rookie offensive lineman and was bested only by former Fighting Irish teammate Quenton Nelson, who was selected three spots ahead of the 49ers rookie.
"While there have been some hiccups in pass protection, McGlinchey hasn't backed down despite facing the likes of Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, Melvin Ingram, and other elite edge rushers," added Wagoner.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
How the 49ers' Week 7 loss was made worse by NFC West results
The San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of the season in Week 7, falling 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons in an upset on Sunday. Results elsewhere in the NFC West only made it worse. San Francisco entered Week 7 with a three-game lead over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC... -
49ers named as fit for 3 receiver trades and NFC West pass rusher
With major trades happening across the NFC and the San Francisco 49ers looking to build on their 6-1 start, general manager John Lynch may not be done making moves. The 49ers reunited with DeForest Buckner this week, sending the Indianapolis Colts a 2027 fourth-round draft... -
49ers trade suggestion targets 38-sack Pro Bowl defensive tackle
The Indianapolis Colts are drawing attention as questions swirl about whether they will trade defensive tackle DeForest Buckner after dealing All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to explore options for... -
49ers' Fred Warner on pace to shatter career tackle total
No one can deny the greatness of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. After missing most of last season with an ankle injury, Warner is once again putting together an impressive campaign, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the NFL's premier defensive...