We all know the San Francisco 49ers lost Mike McGlinchey to the Denver Broncos this off-season. 

This leaves their offensive line with a hole at right tackle. One they chose not to address via the NFL Draft this season.

Which tells us they believe they already have a capable replacement on the roster in Colton McKivitz.

That's not the only tea leaf to read, either. The 49ers have been very open about McKivitz's encouraging progress over the last couple of years and it's a big reason why they were OK with letting McGlinchey, walk. Outside of McGlinchey's price tag, of course.

"He is good for the position," 49ers offensive line coach/run game coordinator Chris Foerster told reporters during OTAs. "Mike McGlinchey is one of the best run blocking tackles in the NFL… Colton probably won’t be quite that, but he is a very good run blocker and his protection is really solid and consistent. He’s got a consistent personality. He’s a really tough, hardworking guy. He’s a great character guy… he’s made of the right stuff." 

It's not just the 49ers that are high on McKivitz – he was recently named to Pro Football Focus' 2023 All-Breakout team. 

PFF notes McKivitz has some competition at the spot in veteran Matt Pryor. However, they cite that Pryor is coming off a season where he posted a 44.9 overall grade, including 40.8 in pass blocking.

As opposed to McKivitz, who does not have the playing time that Pryor does; however, he did post an 87.3 pass-blocking grade while surrendering zero pressures in week four of the 2022 season.

This would be the only game where he saw significant playing time.

But it's clear when listening to the 49ers that McKivitz is the guy and that it's his job to lose. It's also clear that the 49ers offense is going to be in great shape if he breaks out like PFF believes he will.

© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports