Count ex-49ers star Justin Smith among Nick Bosa’s admirers
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ Nick Bosa is no mini-Justin Smith. So said Justin Smith.
“I don’t think he’s too mini. He’s a big guy. He looks big as (expletive),” Smith said on the sideline before the 49ers’ hosted the Atlanta Falcons.
Similar to how Smith was a defensive-line catalyst in the 49ers’ last playoff run from 2011-13, Bosa is flourishing as a rookie who arrived with the No. 2 overall draft pick.
Smith, attending today’s game with his wife and three kids, is among those who’ve enjoyed watching Bosa and the 49ers (11-2) this season.
“Same reason everybody likes to watch him: he just gets after it. Flat-ass gets after it,” Smith said. “He’s good, a good player. You can’t put him with the ‘high-motor label.’ He’s too good for that.
“I’ve never talked to him but I enjoy watching him play. I just like watching the D-line back to kicking ass again.”
Smith made five Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors 2011-13 before retiring after the 2014 season. He’s living in his native Missouri.
How does he see Bosa impacting the NFL’s No. 1 pass defense?
“It all works together,” Smith said. “Who are you going to double? Who are you going to slide to? You’ve got Buckner and Armstead in there, and (Bosa) on the edge. It’s pick your poison with them, and they all capitalize.”
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