Carlos Rogers online journal

Smoot was a very good player for us for a couple of years. Rodgers hasn't played one down in the nfl yet. He hasn't even been in a training camp yet. Let's not get too crazy saying he is better than Smoot quite yet.

That being said I love the pick and I am glad we got him over Rolle or Jones... Still reeling from the 25th pick though...

I agree dieselhog. I truly hope Rogers turns out to be 'better than Smoot from day one,' but Smoot established a pretty high standard of performance-- particularly over the last two years-- and I don't think it would be fair to either player (or ourselves, for that matter), to expect Rogers to be a better overall player than Smoot right off the bat.

One thing I know for sure, though. Smoot whiffed on an awful lot of corner blitzes, and I fully expect Rogers will provide a significant improvement in the effectiveness of that play, which is a staple of the Williams defense. If there's one reason that could justify allowing a 'true Redskin' like Smoot to walk in free agency, while spending a top-10 draft pick to replace him with a less-experienced, yet nearly as expensive model, it would be the fact that Williams prefers defensive backs than perform more like linebackers in the tackling and blitzing departments. While Smoot had certainly improved his tackling over the past couple of years, he wasn't what you'd call a 'physical presence' as a hitter or tackler.

One could say that Rogers has the potential to be a better all-around cornerback than Smoot ever was or ever will be. Personally, I think Rogers could become one of the top five cornerbacks in the league within his first three seasons. I'm not sure he will represent an immediate upgrade over Smoot from day one-- there's usually a pretty ugly introductory period for rookie cornerbacks-- but I have little doubt that his potential as a 'complete cornerback' far exceeds what Smoot brought to the table. I also think Rogers brings a professional attitude and personality, so in that respect, I don't think he will be a downgrade from Smoot, though he still has to prove his heart and desire on the field on gameday. Playing through injuries really tests a player's mettle, and Smoot brought toughness by the truckload.

Joe, excellent commentary on Smoot and Rogers. I agree, we need to get him into the games before we can pass judgement. One thing I like about Rogers already is the respect he has for Gibbs, not all young players respect the "old school", looks like Gibbs did his homework on character with Rogers.....Can't wait to see Rogers in action........

I too am sure he has the tools. His confidence and attitude will heighten under Williams as well. :oink:

I definitely see Rogers as being a better fit than Smoot. With Rogers and Springs we'll have two physical corners who can also get to the QB when needed.

Speaking of Springs I don't think we give the guy enough love around here. 6 sacks and 5 ints last year, it's a shame he wasn't selected to the Pro Bowl.

I agree Matty. I was worried when we got him that he would be a liability with his past injury history and he definitely performed at a Pro Bowl level.

Speaking of Springs I don't think we give the guy enough love around here. 6 sacks and 5 ints last year, it's a shame he wasn't selected to the Pro Bowl.

Agreed. Love Springs.

Of course on this site, the best compliment you can get is to never have your name mentioned. It seems the only guys we talk about over and over again are the ones who we either don't really care for or not everyone feels the same way about. I would hope we are all in agreement that Springs was the man for us last year, and that we all look forward to having him for a number of productive years as a skin. I'd love to see the guy finish out his career here.

I definitely see Rogers as being a better fit than Smoot. With Rogers and Springs we'll have two physical corners who can also get to the QB when needed.

Speaking of Springs I don't think we give the guy enough love around here. 6 sacks and 5 ints last year, it's a shame he wasn't selected to the Pro Bowl.

NIce post Matty. Definitely a good signing...