In his first season as a full - time starter , Smith became a leader of the defensive line and emerged as one of the NFL 's top defensive ends .
Smith gradually established himself as one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL .
In Smith 's first season as a full - time starter , Smith became a leader of the defensive line and emerged as one of NFL NFL 's top defensive ends .
Smith gradually established himself as one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL .