San Francisco 49ers: 10 best defensive linemen in franchise history

No. 3: Justin Smith

49ers Tenure: 2008 – 2014

Pro Bowl Selections: 5

The linchpin of those stellar mid-2010 teams, defensive end Justin Smith has one defining characteristic that will forever be imprinted in 49ers history (via Matt Maiocco’s San Francisco 49ers: An Illustrated History):

"Smith is a selfless athlete who thrives at helping those around him. He does not mind doing the grunt work of tying up extra blockers to enable outside linebacker Aldon Smith to avoid double-teams en route to rushing the passer. And Smith is also adept at preventing blockers from reaching the second level to contend with Willis and fellow All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman. For Smith, it’s all about doing whatever it takes to win football games."

That’s what I’ll always remember Smith for — the image of literally grabbing two offensive linemen and pushing them both back while Aldon Smith bullrushes the quarterback. It was a picture of pure might and strength, almost unparalleled.

A free agent acquisition in 2008, it only took Justin Smith a short time to cement himself as the 49ers best defensive linemen. The year after being signed, Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2009. And he would make it every single year until 2013, racking up five total selections and was also named first-team All-Pro in 2011.

In all, he sits at No. 7 for most sacks in franchise history with 43.5 — a mere .5 behind former teammate Aldon Smith — and is No. 14 in tackles at 299.

“The Cowboy,” Justin Smith is quite simply one of the best to suit up for the 49ers.