Justin Smith, one of the all-time best 49er defensive linemen appreciation thread.

There were SO many more through the years

Sad day. I'm going to miss the leadership, toughness, and the way he brought it every single play. The way he brought confidence to the team and 49ers fans with his energy and big plays he will be really tough to replace and will definitely be missed.

oh yeah. He was our best. bull strong, stout, disciplined, yet with the athleticism to explode out of assignment and make the play if it was in reach. Unique contributor in our system.

double and triple teamed the last 2 years without fail, yet still making our biggest plays.

very sad.

Originally posted by PopeyeJonesing:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by eastcoast49ersfan:

Originally posted by KRS-1:
3 starters on defense had to be replaced (RayMac, Willis and Cully). On offense we replaced 3 starters as well (Crabs, Gore and Iupati). How is that a rebuild ?

3 starters on offense (Crabs, Gore, and Iupati)
5 starters on defense (RayMac, Justin Smith, Willis, Cully, Cox)

Cox may be debatable, but he played better early on in the season than Brock ever has. Drafting a punter in round 5 seems to be a look towards the future and the same could be said for Armstead because he's not likely to make a huge impact in year 1 (or maybe year 2 depending on how long Dockett hangs around). I liked the Armstead pick for what it's worth and I think looking towards the future (rebuilding) is the right move.

Gonna have to disagree on Cox vs Brock....Brock graded out as the 14th best CB in 2013 and Cox was the 35th best CB in 2014 based on PFF, not sure what playing better the first couple weeks has to do compared to a whole season?

IMO I wouldn't call it rebuilding because a lot of this players that are taking on bigger roles have been on the team for over a year.

Agreed with you on Cox/Brock, but that still means we're talking about replacing 1/3rd of the starters (and a punter) in a single season.

It was inevitable and save for Willis we all knew it was coming and there weren't really any surprises, but given the consistency on the team for the last few years, this year really is a MAJOR changing of the guard.

Haven't we been replacing CBs every year? Cox wasn't a starting CB coming into 2014 and most fans wanted him cut in training camp for Darryl Morris lol. SF is replacing one starting spot in the secondary and I like DJ to win that role. There's plenty of young talent at the CB positions and it should make for a intense training camp.

Not sure what you mean in replacing a punter? Lee is still under contract, if he gets cut it's because the rookie is better and it's a upgrade. There isn't a open spot there.

Baalke knew this was happening and that's why he has drafted 33 players in the past 3 years (along with FAs). 8-8 last year with all of those starters on IR (in the NFC West) shows that there's some real talent waiting in the wings. Loved Harbs, but damn his game-planing and failure to make adjustments based on defenses and injuries didn't help at all.

I am HAPPY Justin Smith is retiring. He has paid his dues in the NFL. His body is failing him, and if he played one more year he could have done more damage to his body. He is SMART. He is going out with his head held high. So many players hang on for just one more season. He confided with Rathman, and Tom told Cowboy, your body will tell you when you need to retire.

I will MISS Cowboy playing, but I am so so happy that he was with the Niners for so long. One of the few high priced FA signings that worked out for any team in the NFL.

Man I wish B. Young and J. Smith played at the same time

Interesting to go back and see what people said, one thing they were right on is he has a MOTOR lol

Originally posted by 49AllTheTime:
We have been rebuilding since 1946

What a lot of people around here don't seem to get is that Baalke believes in ALWAYS rebuilding regardless of the words he uses to describe what he's doing. He's thinking two and three years ahead most of the time. He drafted Hyde because he knew there would come a time when Gore was gone. He's been drafting DT's for a few years now knowing that there would soon come a time when Smith was gone.

Hmm Justin Smith said Ian Williams is probably one the best NT in the NFL, said he could fill the role of a leader on the team.

Interesting.

Hoping he's healthy this season.

This interview is making me miss him more then I realized.

Originally posted by Dsoto87:
This interview is making me miss him more then I realized.

Same man same

Originally posted by crake49:

Originally posted by 49AllTheTime:
We have been rebuilding since 1946

What a lot of people around here don't seem to get is that Baalke believes in ALWAYS rebuilding regardless of the words he uses to describe what he's doing. He's thinking two and three years ahead most of the time. He drafted Hyde because he knew there would come a time when Gore was gone. He's been drafting DT's for a few years now knowing that there would soon come a time when Smith was gone.

Every draft is for the future

Originally posted by Jesu80ncleats:
Interesting to go back and see what people said, one thing they were right on is he has a MOTOR lol

32 inch arms. Baalke would have passed on Justin.

Originally posted by NorthBay49er:
Hmm Justin Smith said Ian Williams is probably one the best NT in the NFL, said he could fill the role of a leader on the team.

Interesting.

Hoping he's healthy this season.

He has been a beast when he is healthy, but he hasn't been healthy

So he wants to dip his toe into a coaching i see............hmmmm. Sign him up Baalke N fire Franklin after he fails miserably this yr.