7 Greatest San Francisco 49ers players of the 21st century

6. Justin Smith – DT

Prior to joining the 49ers, Justin Smith was just known around the league as a solid defensive lineman. Selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith had already been in the league for eight years before he signed with San Francisco in 2008.

Signing with the 49ers turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made during his time in the NFL.

Smith’s first season with San Francisco in 2008 saw him put up some pretty solid numbers. He appeared in all 16 games and racked up 73 tackles (10 for a loss), 17 quarterback hits, seven sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

Then came the 2009 season when Smith helped the 49ers’ defense finish fourth in the league in points against and sixth against the run. That year, he ended with 55 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and his first of five-straight trips to the Pro Bowl.

During this five-season span from 2009-13, San Francisco’s defense finished among the top six in rushing yards allowed during each year. Much of the 49ers’ success against the run had to do with Smith’s presence in the middle of the defensive line.

His best performance came in 2011 when finished with 58 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and the one and only First-Team All-Pro selection of his career.