Thoughts on MSU and the 2012 NFL Draft

Over three days (well, actually the last two) six former MSU football players heard their name called at the NFL Draft — the most since seven in 2000. Three more have signed as undrafted free agents. (Here is MSU's all-time draft history).

First, a recap:

• Jerel Worthy - Packers - 2nd round No. 51 overall
• Kirk Cousins - Redskins - 4th round - No. 102 overall 
• Keshawn Martin - Texans - 4th round - No. 121 overall
• Trenton Robinson - 49ers - 6th round - No. 180 overall 
• B.J. Cunningham - Dolphins - 6th round - No. 183 overall
• Edwin Baker - Chargers - 7th round - No. 250 overall

• Todd Anderson - Rams - UFA
• Garrett Celek - 49ers - UFA
• Brian Linthicum - Jets - UFA

Second, a look at the numbers: 

• As mentioned, the six Spartans selected are the most since 2000 (7)
• The six Spartans tied for the most in the Big Ten with Iowa and Wisconsin
• The six Spartans tied for fourth among all schools (behind Alabama, Oklahoma and Georgia)
• MSU is one of eight schools to have a player selected every year since the inception of the common NFL Draft in 1967 (MSU, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and USC)
• The Big Ten's 41 picks were second among conferences (SEC: 42)
• Over the last two years, MSU has had a player at every position group other than OL/TE drafted (counting OL and DL as one position group each). h/t KJ

That last stat is telling about the player development over Mark Dantonio's time at MSU. Also, Joel Foreman may have been drafted had he not retired from football due to injuries. As I wrote last week, MSU is one of the top teams in terms of NFL draft picks compared to recruiting class rankings. MSU should improve on that list with all the picks from this year. 

Again, MSU isn't trying to beat Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame on the recruiting path every year, because it can't. Dantonio has molded his program after Wisconsin and Iowa, focusing on recruiting the right players and developing them. And whaddya know? Those three schools led the Big Ten in draft picks this year. 

Five of the six Spartans drafted weren't highly recruited. Worthy, Cousins, Martin and Cunningham were given three stars by Rivals. Trenton Robinson was given two. Only Edwin Baker was highly recruited, given four stars. 

Yes, Alabama dominated with the most players because it gets the best recruits and it wins the most. But 14 of the 32 first-round picks were given three stars or fewer out of high school. You can win games without the best players. I don't want to turn this into another recruiting argument. I've made this point before, and now I'm relating it to the NFL Draft.

Now, let's turn to the players.

Jerel Worthy had a rough birthday on Thursday, watching the first round come and go without his name being called. On Friday, he tweeted that somebody had to pay and that it was adding motivation. He didn't have to wait too long on Friday, being picked by the Packers in the second round. The Packers use a 3-4 defense, so Worthy actually would fit better as a defensive end. The Milwaukee Journal says Worthy could be used in nickel situations, which is ironic, because Worthy was often taken out at defensive tackle in passing situations at MSU. Regardless, I don't question Worthy's work ethic as much as his stamina. He'll get a chance to start for Green Bay.

Kirk Cousins' selection by the Redskins was the most-talked about pick on the final day. Having already traded the kitchen sink to move up and draft Baylor's Robert Griffin III, selecting another quarterback was quite shocking. It was the first time since 1989 a team drafted two quarterbacks in the first four rounds. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan coached the South team in the Senior Bowl, where Cousins impressed on the North team. 

Cousins would have seemed a prefect fit behind a veteran, learning for a few years before possibly getting a shot to start. Now, Cousins will likely compete with Rex Grossman for the backup spot behind Griffin, who will get every chance to succeed in Washington. It's definitely an uphill climb for Cousins. ESPN's Chris Mortensen compared the situation to Atlanta a few years ago, when the Falcons drafted Matt Schaub in the third round despite having the young, athletic Michael Vick. The idea being that Griffin will take a lot of hits, so Cousins would be a solid and groomed backup should Griffin ever go down.

I think Cousins is the newest Avenger.

While ESPN tried to stir up a quarterback controversy, I don't see it. Mel Kiper said the selection of Cousins puts pressure on Griffin to succeed right away. I respectfully disagree. Griffin will be given every opportunity possible. He likely will go through some growing pains, but the Redskins will stick with him. While Cousins' personality is sure to draw a lot of fans and praise, Griffin was actually more beloved for his personality. He'll have plenty of support. All in all, a tough situation for Cousins, but I expect he'll work hard and study hard as a backup and draw the attention of other teams and could get a shot somewhere else, similar to what Brian Hoyer is doing in New England.

As for the other picks, Keshawn Martin can be a Percy Harvin-like player, used to stretch the field in all directions and could get early playing time in the return game. Trenton Robinson drew a lot of praise during the draft process for his effort. He could play cornerback or safety, and he isn't afraid to get his nose dirty, despite his smaller size. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Robinson's draft day.

B.J. Cunningham in the sixth round seemed like a steal to me. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a solid NFL career as a slot receiver. He doesn't have elite speed to stretch the field vertically, but his hands are superb and he has good strength.

(More MSU player highlights videos from @Pietrang5 here)

When Edwin Baker declared early for the draft, it was a surprise, and it wasn't. He had lost his starting spot to Le'Veon Bell, so how much higher could his stock go? I didn't think he had a chance of getting drafted, but I was wrong. I know he was drafted a few picks away from Mr. Irrelevant, but he still was drafted. Charles Robinson thinks Baker could have helped his stock by staying in school because he would have gotten more carries in an offense that will likely run the ball a lot more, but I guess that's up for debate. 

Todd Anderson, Garrett Celek and Brian Linthicum were all signed as undrafted free agents. Linthicum was a guy who could have been drafted and likely had a lot of teams looking to sign him. He has a good chance to last in the league because of his versatility. Anderson is a beast in the weight room, so he'll have a chance as a fullback.

There is one notable Spartan missing: Keith Nichol. The quarterback-turned-receiver was getting looks at other positions from scouts, but doesn't appear to have signed anywhere. My guess is that he still will have some workouts with teams for another chance. 

It was one of the most-successful drafts in MSU history, and it won't be the last time MSU has a big weekend. MSU continues to bring in talent — some hyped, some not — and develop it. Johnny Adams (three stars) will be one of the top defensive back prospects next year. If Will Gholston (five stars) has the year some are expecting, he could leave MSU early and be a first-round pick. Isaiah Lewis and Max Bullough appear on the road to the NFL whenever they leave. MSU has plenty of other guys that could develop into that position down the road.

This weekend was another step forward in the advancement of Dantonio's program. He stabilized the program on the field, and now his players are reaping the rewards. 

Sunday notes from NFL Combine

As seems to be the case frequently, every time a Spartan works in front of scouts, they're impressing. And no Spartan is impressing more than Kirk Cousins. 

Russ Lande of The Sporting News had the highest praise for the former MSU quarterback, saying Cousins is putting himself in the discussion for the first round. ESPN's Todd McShay wasn't quite as high on Cousins, but said on Sportscenter that he quietly is moving toward the second round.


(Go to 2:20 to see McShay talk Cousins)

Cousins didn't shine in the athleticism drills (you can see the numbers here), but in the passing drills, he impressed a lot of people. Dion Caputi of National Football Post tweeted that Cousins "threw with nice timing in the early group. Lead receivers well, passed with accuracy. Solid overall."

Saturday notes from NFL Combine

Workouts started in Indianapolis, and several Spartans have been drawing rave reviews. Here is a collection of stuff regarding the six MSU players at the Combine. (Full schedule here).

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--According to the Freep's Dave Birkett, Edwin Baker did 20 reps on the bench press and measured in a 5-foot-8, 2004 pounds. 

Birkett also has a story on Cousins proving he can be an NFL quarterback. 

Also from the Freep, a breakdown of all local products (from Michigan high schools or colleges) who are at the Combine or could get drafted.

Friday notes from NFL Combine

Workouts still don't happen for a few days, but the early groups have started to get measurements and talked with the media. (Full schedule here).

Here is a collection of notes on the six Spartans in Indianapolis, from media members there.

--The Spartan Sports Network has audio interviews with Kirk Cousins and B.J. Cunningham.

Cousins was asked about being back at the site of the Big Ten championship game. Here was his response to SSN:  

"Being back here in Indianapolis and walking back onto that field today for the first time since that game was a bittersweet moment. It's neat to be back here and think of all the accomplishments we had at Michigan State to get us to that game, and how well we played in that game. But then you think about how close you were to a Rose Bowl and how close you were to a second consecutive Big Ten championship. And the way we fell short was tough.

NFL Combine begins, but not yet for Spartans

The first players are getting started at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis today, but there won't be any 40 times or vertical jumps for a few days.

Groups 1, 2 and 3, which includes special teams, offensive linemen and tight ends will be going through registration, hospital pre-exams, X-rays, orientation and interviews today. All other position groups begin later in the week.

No Spartan is in these first three groups, but there are six Spartans who will be working out in Indy: quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Edwin Baker, wide receivers B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin, defensive tackle Jerel Worthy and safety Trenton Robinson.

Six Spartans invited to NFL Combine

Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Trenton Robinson had been invited to the NFL Combine a few weeks ago. Now the final list has come out, and Jerel Worthy and Edwin Baker have been added, according to MSU.

The Combine will take place from Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis. The six invites are the most for MSU since 2000.

Neither of the additions are a surprise, as Worthy is a potential first-rounder and the LSJ reported Baker had been invited a few weeks ago.

It is a bit of a surprise that Brian Linthicum is not on the list, which is why his performance at the Senior Bowl was so important.

Not to start a recruiting argument again, but five of the six Spartans invited to the Combine were rated three-star or two-star recruits out of high school. Only Baker was a four-star recruit. Not bad.

Report: Baker invited to NFL Combine

In quite a surprise, the Lansing State Journal is reporting that Edwin Baker has been invited to the NFL Combine.This comes from Baker's financial adviser.

The initial list for the NFL Combine included four Spartans — Kirk Cousins, Keshawn Martin, B.J. Cunningham and Trenton Robinson — and a second list will come out including underclassmen and seniors who surprised during all-star games. Jerel Worthy is expected to be on the second list, but Baker surely would come as a surprise. The Combine takes place from Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis.

After setting his goal at 2,000 yards, Baker fell well short with 665 this season while Le'Veon Bell became the No. 1 back. Still, Baker declared for the draft saying he felt he was ready. I still think it's likely Baker doesn't get drafted, but this Combine report comes as a shock. If it's true, maybe he'll surprise everyone in the draft as well.

AP: Edwin Baker to declare for NFL Draft

This according to Larry Lage of The Associated Press.

This certainly comes as a surprise. After saying before the season his goal was 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, Baker finished with just 665 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries, clearly finishing the season as the No. 2 back behind Le'Veon Bell. In 2010, he had 1,201 yards and 13 touchdowns and was an All-Big Ten selection, leading to his lofty goals for 2011.

Baker does have a 1-year-old son, but told Joe Rexrode of the LSJ that Edwin Jr. was not a primary factor, just saying he felt he was ready.

With Bell's emergence, people wouldn't have been shocked if Baker transferred. But entering the draft seemed to come out of nowhere.

MSU photos from Tampa

Photos forwarded from MSU:

(Sophomore strong safety Isaiah Lewis and his teammates got their first look inside Raymond James Stadium on Monday afternoon. Photo credit: Matthew Mitchell, MSU Athletic Communications.)

My caption: That's a cool ad for The Tampa Tribune. Isaiah Lewis is #teamandroid

 (Sophomore running back Le’Veon Bell and his teammates concluded Monday’s 60-minute workout at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla., with a series of interval runs. Photo credit: Matthew Mitchell, MSU Athletic Communications)

My caption: Look how big Edwin Baker's arms and neck are! 

Spartans head to Iowa looking to end losing streak, take control of division

There will be more games other than Penn State/Nebraska going on this weekend, and it's a big one for MSU.

Win in Iowa City and the Spartans are in the driver's seat for the Legends division. But winning at Kinnick is a tall order. MSU has lost seven straight there and hasn't won since 1989. (For perspective, I was a few months old when that happened)

Here is my story on Saturday's matchup, along with notes on Edwin Baker's fumbling and injury updates.

Regarding Baker, this was an interesting quote from Dan Roushar: 

"He was very remorseful, not only for putting the ball on the ground, but the way he responded to it. I think it’s put things in perspective for him. Sometimes when you have success, it’s very difficult not to wonder what I get, rather than what the team gets. I think it’s put us all in check. All of a sudden, is winning the most important thing you’re doing? I think you have to ask yourself that as a member of that football team.”

Baker breaks out behind gelling O-line

Edwin Baker is a long way from the 2,000 yards he predicted in the offseason.

Some of that can be contributed to the offensive line struggles early on, as guys moved in and out and got hurt. But the last two games have arguably been the best all year. Although MSU didn't run well against Ohio State, they were effective. More importantly, the Spartans haven't given up a sack in each of the last two games.

Here is my story on Baker's performance Saturday and how the offensive line is playing its best at the most important time. Video with this story is below.