Justin Smith

Despite going to the past two Pro Bowls, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith is one of the least recognized players in the NFL. People around the league certainly know of him. He was the fourth pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He was also one of the most sought after free agents in 2008. Defensive end in a 3-4 defense simply isn't a glamorous position. The outside linebackers in a 3-4 get all the sacks, all the money, all the love. The defensive end just cleans things up and keeps blockers off of the linebackers. Its easy to remain anonymous at defensive end in this defense. Justin Smith is deserving of a lot of attention. Not only is he one of the most durable players in the league his motor never stops. Always hustling, He plays football the way that it was always meant to be played. Often overshadowed by teammates Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman, Justin Smith might be having his finest season. High effort plays like he made late in the Philadelphia Eagles and New york Giants games have the 49ers at 9-1. Plays like those have become staples of a tough defense. San Francisco is one of the great stories of the 2011 season. Justin Smith is a big reason for their success.