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Justin Smith Retires: What’s Next For The D-Line?

By Phillip Benson

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Monday marked an end to a remarkable 14 seasons in the NFL for Justin Smith. He split his time between the Cincinnati Bengals — where he began his career — and finished up with the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith’s sad news only adds to a disappointing offseason in terms of 49ers’ players retiring. He joins Patrick Willis and Chris Borland as men who value life more than the game of football. Does that mean they didn’t love the game? Absolutely not. Their health was the concern. But it may still be a bitter pill to swallow to a fraction of vocal 49ers fans out there, who feel they should still be playing.

Smith’s true impact in the league wasn’t noticed until he reached San Francisco, as the Bengals struggled to field good teams and became a joke around the NFL. Despite accumulating 613 tackles, 87 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles, it was the little things Smith did that got him recognized and helped boost the team.

With the ability to absorb blocks and use his incredible strength to move offensive lineman, the man they called “Cowboy,” became one of the league’s finest in terms of versatility across the defensive line — even well into the age 35, in what turned out to be his final season.

Smith made the Pro Bowl five times, and was an All-Pro one season. In 2011, he finished third in the voting for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. If stats weren’t considered, the impact and plays he created for teammates would most likely have earned Smith the honors.

Drafted out of Missouri with the 4th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, Smith has not disappointed on and off the field. He was never one of the those players who sought attention or glory for himself, and tried to remain away from the spotlight. Most importantly, he led by example.

Former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, who was promoted to be San Francisco’s head coach, had these enlightening words to measure the impact Smith had on his line and the 49ers team as a whole.

"“As a football coach, you will always be searching for the next Justin Smith, knowing full well you will never find a player quite like him”"

The 49ers not only lost a player on the field, they also lost a good man and a field general.

What was a long and stretched out process finally received its closure by Smith himself, as he announced his retirement via conference call to reporters.

As it appears, on the down low, the 49ers were anticipating a Smith retirement and began loading up to replace what he had built for the defense that stands today. It is by no means, a sign of disrespect, but newly acquired Darnell Dockett and Arik Armstead appear to be players who the team felt the need to get ready to hold the mold.

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It is May 19, and now what lies ahead for the 49ers defensive front?

Tomsula has been responsible for the development of multiple defensive lineman over the years such as: Isaac Sopoaga, Aubrayo Franklin, Ian Williams, Glenn Dorsey, and Aaron Lynch. With Smith now retired, it appears as though Dockett may be prepared to play on the end opposite of Tank Carradine, who will be filling in for the cut Ray McDonald. Or, if Carradine is not ready to play full time, Lynch can receive reps at defensive end.

Thanks to the drafting capabilities of general manager Trent Baalke, the versatility of San Francisco’s defensive lineman is encouraging for the 3-4 defense they run. One guy is not stationary and can be moved around.

Rookie defensive lineman Armstead and Eli Harold look to be the future on the defensive line in San Francisco. Look for Harold to stand up on the edge opposite Aldon Smith.

Armstead is a wild card as his pass rushing ability and motor are inconsistently there. But what is promising is the elite run stopping power he already possesses in his 6’8″ frame.

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) attempts to sack Florida State Seminoles quarterback

Jameis Winston

(5) in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Clearly a project who needs a couple years to learn the awareness, Armstead could be a steal as the young 20-year old has plenty of raw potential.

Dockett comes into the picture as he is a tough individual, very much like Smith himself. He’s been around the league for over a decade and in a 3-4 scheme, Dockett’s abilities fit the team now. He can also serve as a mentor on the field for the young lineman such as Quinton Dial, Carradine, and others.

The defensive line will be a patchwork collection again, but solid and tough coaching can help shape them back into the steel wall we saw when “Cowboy” was on the line.

When Willis retired, it left fans emotionally bloody. But now that suture has been ripped out again as Smith has decided to ride off into the sunset. Both have earned and deserve their retirement, after what they both brought to the team as leaders and as athletes.

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On paper, the defensive line looks doomed and trouble awaits the 49ers. But it is important that this team learns to be patient and let whatever happens, happen. Trying to predict the future will surely only bring heartache to 49ers fans. Let the pre-season and the 2015 regular season dictate what happens from there.

It will be strange not seeing number 94 on Sundays anymore. In the short-term, the 49ers will be tested as the search for another Smith will always continue, but that Smith cannot be recreated. As Tomsula said.

For 49ers fans: Trust the process and remember, a new player always emerges.

Next: San Francisco 49ers Moving On From Kaepernick?