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Chat Reel: Justin Smith

Smith hopes to be first DE taken in NFL Draft

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL Draft chat with Justin Smith. Welcome Justin and thanks for joining us.
Justin Smith: Thank you and it's good to be here.

From Gordon in Bangor, Ireland: Do you think any of your Missouri teammates such as Blakley, Bland, Gage, Hayes, Harden or Doyle might be joining you in the NFL in the next couple of years? Thanks for three great years in the black and gold and best of luck in the pros.
Justin Smith: Yes, I hope to see some players from Mizzou in the NFL. As far as if they make to the NFL, it is up to them, but I think they definitely have the potential to make it.

From frantheman: What do you feel is your best ability on the football field?
Justin Smith: I think as an all-around player. I can rush the passer and stop the run. I think those combined products make for a better prospect in the NFL.

From Mike Hanna in Anchorage, Alaska: Justin, I hope the Packers trade up to get you, but no matter what team you are on, you will be my favorite NFL player. But here is my question, are you going to be in New York for Draft Day, or will you stay in Missouri and wait for the phone call?
Justin Smith: I appreciate that. I will be in New York. I've already been invited. I have see how everything plays out, but I'm pretty sure I will be in New York.

From AKC07\: Who was your toughest matchup in college? Has anyone else impressed you or created a buzz with their Combine performance?
Justin Smith: I'd say the best player I played against was Leonard Davis from Texas. He is a big player who can move really well. And as far as the Combine, I was so busy I really didn't pay attention to what everyone else was doing.

From Dan Farris in Rome: How did your individual workouts go, and what teams are the most interested in you right now?
Justin Smith: Individual workouts went really great. I improved on my Combine performance. The teams that showed the most interest were Arizona, Cincinnati, the Bears and the 49ers.

From Dave in Columbia, Md.: Do you have a most memorable play from high school or college?
Justin Smith: Probably the Insight.com Bowl because that was our only Bowl game and it was a good experience.

From Joe Costanzo in Netcong, N.J.: Even though there are not many Bengals fans out here in New Jersey, I'm sure I can speak for many of us all over when I say we would love to have you in stripes next year. What is your feeling about playing in Cincinnati next year, and do you have any specific goals for your rookie year?
Justin Smith: I really don't have expectations as to where I go to play. As far as goals go, I want to start on whatever team I can come in and contribute and do what I'm paid to do.

From ChrazyCardsFan: Is there any team that you are leaning to because of personal preference?
Justin Smith: Not at all, because this first contract you have no say where you go. So, why set yourself up for disappointment? I'm excited to play for any team.

From TheRealMarcus: Justin, where do you think you will be drafted? Many sites have you rated as the top defensive end.
Justin Smith: I'm not sure because you never know how free agency goes or what teams need. There are so many variables. I just hope whatever team needs a defensive end, I will be the first one they choose.

From dru: Justin, who do you compare yourself to that is in the NFL right now? Also, which side of the line do you prefer to play on or do you care? Best of luck from a Missouri grad.
Justin Smith: I really don't compare myself to any player. I never really followed pro football that much. I followed college more. And it really doesn't matter which side I play on. I played on both sides in college.

From frantheman: What did you think of the Wonderlic test? Do you consider it insulting?
Justin Smith: I don't consider it insulting, but I don't think it tests your intelligence. In fairness to football players, our job is to understand schemes, but I don't think it has a huge impact on what we do.

From corcoran: Is too much emphasis put on the Combine and not enough on how you faired in college?
Justin Smith: I think what the Combine really does is, if a team is caught between two players it might give them an edge for one player. I think for the most part it's a tie-breaker.

From Bigpapa: What are your thoughts about playing for a team like the Browns or Bengals, in a division with some of the best backs in the league? Or would you prefer to showcase your pass rush skills more?
Justin Smith: I like the whole aspect of the game. I like stopping the run as well as sacking the quarterback. As far as the position goes, more emphasis is placed on pass rushing. Getting that pressure on the quarterback helps the secondary and the entire defense.

From Casey Fraysier in Virginia Beach, Va.: Justin, what do you think about the possibility that the Packers may try to move up in the draft for the sole purpose of drafting you? And what do you think it would be like to walk onto Lambeau Field?
Justin Smith: I think any time a team trades up for you they are excited about you. I think walking onto Lambeau Field would be great. It's a good, old-fashioned football field with a lot of history. I think playing in that environment with good fans would be great.

From ChrazyCardsFan: Do you see yourself getting into training camp on time?
Justin Smith: Definitely. I won't be a guy who is holding out. The reason I play football is because I like playing. So, I plan on getting in on time and staying for the duration.

From dru: Justin, did the coaching change at Missouri have any affect at all on your decision to leave early?
Justin Smith: No, my whole decision came from the NFL scouting service, which tells you what round will be projected in.

From smithfan: What quarterback would you really like to sack?
Justin Smith: Any and all, I guess. I think it would be cool sack to most of them.

From MUBry: What do you think of the job coach Pinkel has done at Mizzou so far?
Justin Smith: The thing that is most impressive about Pinkel is that he showed he could recruit some good athletes. He pulled some recruits from bigger schools. He came in a couple weeks late and had everything going against him and came out smelling like a rose.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Justin Smith. Justin, thanks for joining us and good luck in the draft. Be sure to check out Justin's weekly Draft Diary.
Justin Smith: Ok, thank you.

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