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A year ago, the Vikings had ambitious plans for Raonall Smith. The 2002 second-round draft choice would start immediately at weak-side linebacker, utilizing his speed and athletic frame to bring new dimensions to the Vikings defense.
Smith, in fact, worked his way into the starting lineup during training camp before suffering a torn ligament capsule in his right shoulder in the second preseason game. The injury forced him to miss the season. The shoulder is now fully healed, but Smith will follow a slower track toward a starting position this spring and summer.
During development camp this week, Smith worked behind starter Henri Crockett amid a crowded depth chart at linebacker. He faces an upfield battle to unseat Crockett, however, and instead appears targeted for a prominent role in the Vikings' nickel defense
Smith, in fact, worked his way into the starting lineup during training camp before suffering a torn ligament capsule in his right shoulder in the second preseason game. The injury forced him to miss the season. The shoulder is now fully healed, but Smith will follow a slower track toward a starting position this spring and summer.
During development camp this week, Smith worked behind starter Henri Crockett amid a crowded depth chart at linebacker. He faces an upfield battle to unseat Crockett, however, and instead appears targeted for a prominent role in the Vikings' nickel defense
