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From what Gregg Williams has been saying throughout the offseason, he doesn't really envision using a #1 and #2 corner, but will use Smoot and Springs interchangeably, depending on the personnel matchups. He also said he plans to use them more as "left" and "right" CBs, rather than assigning one of them to always cover the opponents' top wideouts, for whatever that's worth.
Between the two of them, Springs has a reputation as a more physical cornerback who supposedly would matchup better with the bigger receivers in this division, like TO and Keyshawn. When you look at the Redskins' schedule this year, it's chock full of teams whose top receivers are big, physical guys. Based on those personnel matchups, it would lead one to believe that Springs will more often be matched up against the #1 wideouts.
It does sound like Smoot intends to play more physically this season than he has in the past. He's been hitting the weights, trying to add some muscle to his frame (though I don't know if it's helped a whole lot in terms of his weight, he's probably a stronger player, at least), knowing that it will not only help him matchup better against the league's bigger wideouts, but also help him stay healthier. I think Smoot's going to have a great year, and he's certainly going to benefit from the more physical presence of his new backfield mates in Springs and Sean Taylor. I can see Smoot having a lot of picks this season.
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