Where Will OL Mike McGlynn Fit With Saints?
You could say that offensive lineman Mike McGlynn’s career has come full circle with the New Orleans Saints.
He was signed just recently by the club, after wide receiver Andy Tanner was released then placed on injured reserve.
The irony of McGlynn’s arrival is he could become part of a rotation along the offensive line at the left guard position — the same position that former Saint Ben Grubbs used to occupy. Grubbs’ arrival with the Kansas City Chiefs via trade with the Saints, spelled doom for McGlynn who was their starting left guard in 2014.
The puzzling part about the signing of McGlynn is where he fits into the equation on the offensive line for the Saints. While he has played left guard, he has also seen time at right guard as well as center in his career.
Seems positive doesn’t it? A jack-of-all trades offensive lineman that can provide depth…so what’s puzzling?
Well looking back at the past few years of McGlynn’s career and you’ll see why.
Nov 10, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Mike McGlynn (75) during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Rams won 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Back in 2012 when he was with the Indianapolis Colts, McGlynn saw a majority of games(16 regular, 1 postseason) at right guard while one at center.
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For that season he graded out as the worst right guard in the NFL with an overall score of -21.1 and allowing 4 sacks, 10 QB hits, and 35 QB hurries.
The 2013 season wasn’t any better with McGlynn where he was ranked as 140th guard out of 144, with an overall score of -30.0.
He once again primarily played right guard(13 regular season games, 2 postseason) with two games at center allowing 4 sacks, 12 QB hits, and 34 QB hurries.
This past season after signing with the Chiefs, McGlynn made the switch to left guard(playing one game at right guard) but didn’t have much success…and that’s being kind.
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Mike McGlynn (75) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
He was ranked as the worst left guard in the NFL with an overall rating of -32.6 allowing 6 sacks, 4 QB hits, and 18 QB hurries.
You can mention competition as a reason why McGlynn was brought into the fold for the likes of current Saints guard Tim Lelito.
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But looking at McGlynn’s track record at the guard position, there may not be any competition at all.
However there is the third option as to why he was brought in which is the center position.
Currently the Saints have Max Unger penciled in as their starter with the only backup behind him being Michael Brewster.
Lelito also has the dual role of being a center as well but I think they’ll focus him mainly on working at guard.
McGlynn actually played the entire 2010 season at center for the Philadelphia Eagles where he graded at -3.9 allowing only 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, and 21 QB hurries.
While it isn’t really a positive score, it’s a whole lot better than his performance at guard which the Saints need some hefty improvement on.
With Brewster the only choice as backup for the center position, McGlynn could see some significant time there to add some veteran experience.
It’s easy to label McGlynn as a “camp body” this early but the Saints obviously brought him in for a reason.
While I’m sure the Saints will give McGlynn an opportunity at guard, don’t be surprised to see him working a good bit at the center position as well…..