Rams sign Smith

Discussion in 'NFC West' started by Brooksie5, Apr 5, 2006.

  1. Brooksie5

    Brooksie5 NFLC nflcentral.net Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Raonall Smith spent the final three games of last season as a starting linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. In signing a one-year deal with the Rams on Tuesday, Smith hopes to claim a starting role on a more permanent basis.Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Washington State. But he struggled with injuries in his time with the Vikings. He missed parts of each of his NFL seasons until 2005 when he made it through the year unscathed for the first time.Smith missed his rookie year because of a shoulder injury, missed seven games in 2003 with a hamstring injury and suffered a season-ending concussion midway through the 2004 season.Finally, Smith played in every game in 2005 for the Vikings, excelling on special teams ( he was second on the team with 21 specials teams tackles and added a pair of fumble recoveries) and even started six games along the way. He finished the year with 30 tackles and a sack in his time as a starter.After turning away overtures from Miami and Green Bay, Smith accepted the Rams' offer knowing there is potential for him to land a more regular starting role.The Rams have an opening at strong side linebacker, a position that is usually left for a more physical type of linebacker with good pass rushing instincts, but also the ability to cover a tight end. Smith is 6'2, 241 pounds and, by most accounts, possesses the type of speed required to succeed at the position.Of course, it could change by the end of this year's NFL Draft, but it seems that Smith's top competition for the job will be Brandon Chillar with Dexter Coakley perhaps working his way into the mix as well. The draft has some strong possibilities at outside linebacker with the likes of Iowa's Chad Greenway, Ohio State's Bobby Carpenter and North Carolina State's Manny Lawson figuring to be available when the Rams select at No. 11.In the meantime, Smith will be given his chance to fight for a starting job and, at the very least, contribute on special teams.</div>Not a big move in my opinion. But hey, depth is good.
     
  2. AdropOFvenom

    AdropOFvenom BBW Member

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    Depth is always good. So when your boy Witherspoon gets hurt you have someone to step in. [​IMG]
     
  3. Brooksie5

    Brooksie5 NFLC nflcentral.net Member

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    You lie. He's only missed 1 GAME HIS WHOLE CAREER! More like when Coakley gets hurt.
     

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