2011 NFL Draft: 5 Players 49ers 1st Rounder Aldon Smith Models His Game After

Aldon Smith seemed as shocked as the rest of the draft experts and mock drafters when he was taken with the 7th overall selection for the San Francisco 49ers. He could fit in the team's plans as both a 405 and 4-3 pass rusher, a need they have been looking to address for a few years now.

I got a chance to talk with Smith and ask which players he models his game after.

Julius Peppers

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball ahead of Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/

For a tall, athletic pass rusher,  one of the first guys I always expect to here is Julius Peppers, who is maybe still among the best complete athletes in the NFL.

Smith can take Peppers ability to use his length to get around and underneath blockers, and if he can continue to add strength to his frame and diversify his rush moves, he could have similar success.

Clay Matthews

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

A bit of a stretch as far as a comparison, Smith could definitely take a note of how Matthews has been able to dominate so quickly in the NFL. Matthews has an incredible workout and drive on every play, something that every pass rusher can take and add to their list of qualities.

Smith doesn't have the same make-up or style that Smith does, but has a chance to replicate similar success if he picks up on the NFL way early.

Osi Umenyiora

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Marion Barber #24 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball past Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 33-

A good match for what Smith could become in a 4-3 defense, Umenyiora has made the most out of having a relatively thin body and still being able to attack all types blockers. When he's been able to stay healthy, Unenyiora has been as important as any player on that Giants team, including Eli Manning.

Justin Tuck

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Justin Tuck #91, Michael Boley #59, and Antrel Rolle #26 of the New York Giants tackle Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford,

A monstrous athlete that has proved to be as versatile and explosive as any in the NFL, if Aldon can add a few pounds and move in space like Tuck has been able to, the 49ers will be very happy with the results. A little more physical than Smith, with time, he could get to a Justin Tuck level, as keep in mind Tuck wasn't a star early in his NFL career.

Jevon Kearse

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 20: Jevon Kearse #90 of the Tennessee Titans is pictured during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at LP Field on September 20, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

His favorite player to watch growing up (being a Titans fan) was Jevon Kearse,  and talked a bit how frustrating to see them lose to the Rams. Based on his explosiveness and quickness,

Smith could become a Jevon Kearse like player in the NFL if he continues to add to his rush moves and has at least a similar level of aggressiveness as a pass rusher. Having Kearse as a role model is a good situation for 49ers fans. Maybe he'll even take a bit more out on the Rams.