Keith Nichol heads to D.C. looking to prove himself — again

When it gets into the seventh round (and maybe even the sixth round) of the NFL Draft, there comes a point where players are better off going undrafted than getting selected.

The reason being that instead of being tied to one team, you get many suitors and can pick the team that best fits your situation. When Blair White went undrafted in 2010, he chose the Indianapolis Colts, and ended up getting decent playing time in his first season.

Todd Anderson (Rams), Garrett Celek (49ers) and Brian Linthicum (Jets) made their decisions right after the draft and signed contracts. Keith Nichol waited. The LSJ reports Nichol had a dozen teams interested in giving him a shot. He settled on the Washington Redskins, joining a familiar face: Kirk Cousins.

MLive first reported the Nichol news, although the LSJ says he hasn't officially signed with Washington yet. (Note: Joe Rexrode clarified that Nichol chose to go to D.C. mini-camp without a contract in order the keep his options open).

Nichol told the LSJ that the special teams opportunities and the lack of a physical receiver made the Skins the most-appealing option. He told MLive he's wants to show he can play any position. He will head to D.C. with Cousins for mini-camp from Friday to Sunday. Nichol will have a better gauge on his chances with the team after the weekend.

Cousins and Nichol have been attached since they started competing for the starting quarterback job at MSU in 2009. The first thing I thought when I saw the signing was, "I guess the Redskins have their Hail Mary package."

People have always tried to insert a wedge between them — trying to paint them as enemies in 2009, then figuring Nichol had to spite Cousins for winning the job and regret his move to wide receiver. That was never the case.

Each with a chip on their shoulder, the pair helped lead MSU to a Big Ten championship in 2010 and a Legends Division title in 2011. Cousins' last touchdown pass at MSU was to Nichol in the Outback Bowl. Now, they'll head to the nation's capital looking once again to prove themselves.

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. 

MSU football one of top programs in player development

As I've written before, recruiting in college football is extremely important, but it's not everything. In his time as MSU, Mark Dantonio has shown the ability to develop players and max out their potential. That's why it wasn't a surprise to see MSU as the No. 17 team in the country in terms of the relationship between recruiting class ranking and NFL draftees, according to College Football Matrix.

Theoretically, a team that brings in the most talent should send the most players to the NFL, which was pretty much true. According to the site, "of the top 25 (schools) of producing NFL draft picks from 2005-2011, all but 4 were in the top 25 for recruiting."

So if you scored a 0, you were right on track. But what about the overachievers and underachievers?

According to the site, MSU had 17 players drafted from 2005-11, which ranks 36th in the country. That is compared to a composite recruiting ranking of No. 45 from 2002-08. While only two of Dantonio's recruiting classes are included in this data, he has been the coach for four of the outgoing classes. MSU has had seven players drafted under Dantonio and will add a few more in this year's draft. Former coach John L. Smith had 10 players drafted in his three years that were in this data.

MSU's difference of +9 is third in the Big Ten. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Wisconsin (fifth in the nation) and Iowa (seventh) were atop the Big Ten. Those are two programs that have become synonymous with success on the field without highly-rated recruiting classes. Dantonio has said that he has tried to model his program after those two schools. MSU isn't going to be a school that brings in top-five classes and wins on talent, like Michigan and Ohio State. MSU's focus has been on bringing in players that fit the program and can be developed. Team and individual successes have followed.

Dantonio developed some of Smith's players. Now with a program full of his own players, MSU is starting to send more players into the NFL. Dantonio was rated by College Football Matrix as the No. 6 coach in terms of doing more with less.

Here are the rankings for the Big Ten in the College Football Matrix table:

1. Wisconsin +30

2. Iowa +27

3. MSU +9

4. Indiana +9

5. Nebraska +7

6. Ohio State +6

7. Purdue +4

8. Northwestern +2

9. Penn State 0

10. Minnesota -10

11. Michigan -12

12. Illinois -12

In a related story, 14 of the 32 first-round picks Thursday night were rated three stars or fewer by Rivals out of high school. Player development matters.

Video: Kirk Cousins at Jon Gruden's QB camp

Cousins' second go-around with Jon Gruden's QB Camp debuts tonight on ESPNU. Here's a sneak peek from ESPN.com:



And here was what Gruden told the media about Cousins.

I love when Gruden does these things. As ESPN starts to drift more toward the drama of football and less about the Xs and Os, I love getting a detailed look at what coaches and players talk about and look for. I know Gruden enjoys his role as a commentator, but still think he'll get back into coaching. Maybe his work with college quarterbacks with his annual camp could push him to being a college coach.

Tuesday notes from NFL Combine (Trenton Robinson)

Tuesday was the final day at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and defensive backs wrapped things up by going through on-field drills.

Although the class of safeties in this draft isn't great, Trenton Robinson had a solid performance. His results were as follows:

Bench press: 15 reps (fourth-fewest among safeties)

40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds (second-best among safeties)

Vertical jump: 35.0 inches

Broad jump: 125.0 inches (fourth-best among safeties)

20-yard shuttle: 4.15 seconds (fourth-best among safeties)

Robinson talked with media on Sunday (via @MSU_Football)

I asked National Football Post's Dion Caputi what the day meant for Robinson and where he was projecting. Caputi responded, "4-5 range, I think he cemented good mid-rd value"

Shane Hallam of draftcountdown.com said Robinson helped himself in the drills, but needs to get noticed more.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller did a seven-round draft, which you can see here. Miller had Kirk Cousins and Jerel Worthy going in the second round (Cousins before Worthy) and Brian Linthicum, Trenton Robinson and B.J. Cunningham going in the sixth round.

Next up for the Spartans is Pro Day, which will take place on March 14.

Here are recaps of each day at the Combine. Which of the six Spartans performed the best? Vote on the right side of this page.

Friday recap

Saturday recap

Sunday recap
Monday recap

Monday notes from NFL Combine (Jerel Worthy)

Jerel Worthy was the only Spartan to do drills today in Indianapolis, as it was the day for defensive linemen and linebackers to perform on the field. Worthy came into the day being a likely late first- or early second-round pick. His results were as follows:

40-yard dash: 5.08 seconds

Vertical jump: 28.5 inches

Broad jump: 107 inches

3-cone drill: 7.60 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.56 seconds

It doesn't appear that Worthy did the bench press. Overall, Worthy's speed numbers weren't spectacular, but some of these drills aren't that important for defensive linemen. For example, the 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash is more important than the 40 itself.

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).

--

--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.

Thoughts on Spartans' performance in Senior Bowl

On Saturday, the North won the Senior Bowl, or as I like to call it, the Bowl of Southeastern Conference Aggression (a little Civil War joke for ya).

The score was 23-13, but that's not what matters. In fact, the game isn't even as important as the practices in the week leading up to the game. Still, plenty of NFL coaches and scouts attend the game, evaluating prospects.

(For practice recaps: Here are Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.)

All three Spartans in Mobile, Ala., for the game — Kirk Cousins, Brian Linthicum and Trenton Robinson improved their stock in practice. In the game, scouts look for decision-making, along with the physical tools they saw in practice.

Garrett Celek to play new all-star game

Another Spartan will participate in a college all-star game.

Former MSU tight end Garrett Celek will be in the Players All-Star Classic this Saturday in Little Rock, Ark. Celek had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown this past season. He finished his career with 14 catches for 135 yards and three touchdowns.

If you haven't heard of this game before, it's because the game is new. According to the game's website:

"The Players All-Star Classic (TM) a new college football all-star game will be played at War Memorial Stadium at 4pm eastern, 3pm central on February 4th, 2012.  The roster will spilt in a North-South format and be made up of a collection of talented players from all levels of college football who are rated as prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.  Prospects from the roster of a similar game played last year currently boasts over 60 NFL players; the game has agreed to a multi-year deal with War Memorial Stadium. "

Some reactions to Spartans in Senior Bowl

I'm not home this weekend, so I don't get NFL Network, meaning I didn't see the Senior Bowl.

However, I still have access to the internet, so I know what happened. I DVRd the game, so I'll watch it next week and give my thoughts on how Kirk Cousins, Brian Linthicum and Trenton Robinson did. The North won, 23-13.

As I've said before, don't look too much into the stats from this game. It's more about if guys make a play or not. The Monday-Wednesday practices are much more important to scouts, and all three Spartans performed well. (For practice recaps from earlier in the week, click here)

Cousins finished 5-for-11 passing for 114 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

A few final thoughts on Senior Bowl practice

After Wednesday, the interest in Senior Bowl practice wears off, both from media and scouts, as players mostly go through walk-throughs. So there hasn't been as much news the last two days. 

Sports Illustrated got an inside look at Senior Bowl week from a former Chicago Bears staff member. Normally the the players are the stories all week, but this piece looks at the week from the other side. I recommend you read it for some background info 

As for the three Spartans in Mobile, Ala., all appear to have increased their draft stock. 

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.

Notes from second day of Senior Bowl practice

The first day of Senior Bowl practice is fun to talk about because it's the first time everyone gets to see a lot of these players.

But the second day meant pads, and getting down to business.

"Today will be much more like a real game will full pads and full tempo," Kirk Cousins told NFL Network before running back in for a drill.

Once again, there was some more praise for Cousins, despite throwing an interception and fumbling a couple snaps.

Cousins impresses in first Senior Day practice

Senior Bowl week began today with the weigh-in. Then the players took to the field.

The NFL Network showed an hour of practice, and Kirk Cousins looked great from what I saw. He clearly is more NFL-ready than North teammates Kellen Moore and Russell Wilson, showing off his arm strength in drills.

But what do I know? I'm not a scout. Well, scouts liked him too.

Charlie Bernstein of ESPN/Fox Sports: "Kirk Cousins has been very impressive early in this practice. He looks like the only #NFL QB on this roster."

Scott Kennedy of Scout.com: "#michiganstate's Kirk Cousins throws the ball with a different velocity than Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore. Much stronger arm out here."

Kennedy again: "Kirk Cousins just thread the needle to Gerrell Robinson. Cousins is having a very good day, as is Robinson #Spartans #sundevils"

Todd McShay gives B.J. Cunningham some love

B.J. Cunningham has been impressing the scouts at practices for the East/West Shrine Game, which is on Saturday.

ESPN draft expert Todd McShay said he could see Cunningham being taken in the third round. Here's McShay talking about Cunningham on College Football Live:



(h/t The Little Brother Blog)

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.