All DE projections   •  Current DE rankings   •   All SF projections   •  SF team report

DE Justin Smith, San Francisco 49ers

HT: 6-4, WT: 270, Born: 9-30-1979, College: Missouri, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 4

2008 Projections

Best Case

Smith hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that come along with being drafted 4th overall, but he was productive enough to warrant a 6-year, $45 million contract from the 49ers that included $20 million in guaranteed money. Already one of the best run-stopping defensive ends in the league, the 49ers will look for ways to make Smith more effective as a pass rusher and may even give him significant playing time at OLB. If that happens, Smith might have a chance to match his career highs with 50 solos and 8 sacks.

Worst Case

Smith has played both RDE and LDE during his time in Cincinnati, but at least they ran a 4-3 front. Many quality DEs have struggled to be productive lining up in a 3-4, which the 49ers use most of the time. If Smith winds up spending most of his time as a 3-4 DE, he'll likely have a hard time finishing with more than 4 or 5 sacks. He could also see a reduction in tackles since the 49ers have stud players like Patrick Willis and Nate Clements who are two of the most productive tacklers at their respective positions.

Outlook

Over a seven year career, Smith has averaged 45 solo tackles and 6 sacks. Early reports from minicamp suggest the 49ers will try to take full advantage of his athleticism and versatility by playing him in space when they can instead of just lining him up like a traditional 3-4 DE whose job is to tie up blockers. Given how much money they have committed to him, the 49ers must feel that he has some untapped potential as a pass rusher. If they are correct, Smith will likely finish as a top-15 DE for the fifth time in eight seasons.

Writeups last modified: 2008-06-24 20:51:23