Drafted: Round 1, Pick 7 in 2011.
Who said, "You should save the best for last"?
Certainly not Harbaugh. As it stands today, Smith is far and away the best player the 49ers have drafted under Harbaugh's direction.
With 38 sacks in 35 games, Smith is already among the pantheon of elite pass-rushers.
These numbers more than validate where Smith was selected.
As good as he's been, Smith still isn't this teacher's favorite pet—mainly because Smith has caused as much havoc off the field as he has on it.
Smith is currently on indefinite leave while undergoing substance abuse treatment. In addition to that, Smith has been charged with three felony gun charges.
Seeing how strictly enforced the NFL's personal conduct policy has been under commissioner Roger Goodell, Smith's playing status could be left in limbo for the foreseeable future.
For this reason, Smith falls short of being his class' valedictorian.
