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.

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. 

Notes from third day of Senior Bowl practice

Kirk Cousins' stock seems to be going higher with each practice for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. He's moving into the fight for third quarterback taken in the draft (behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III). I don't think he'll be taken that high, but it looks like lots of teams are coming away impressed with Cousins.

After sitting out yesterday due to injury, Brian Linthicum returned Wednesday and reportedly looked very agile for his size. Since Linthicum wasn't invited to the Combine, this is his best chance to improve his stock before MSU Pro Day. I think he's going to be a steal in this draft.

Trenton Robinson also is starting to get noticed. College Football News projects Cousins and Robinson to be third round picks and Linthicum to be a fifth round pick. That's a lot higher than I expected for Robinson.

Here are the recaps of Day 1 and Day 2 and here is a video of Cousins discussing the Senior Bowl to MSU.

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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"

Listed measurables for Spartans at Senior Bowl

Players were measured today at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Practices go on this week and game is on Saturday on NFL Network.

Here are the results for the three Spartans in the game:

Kirk Cousins: Height: 6-foot-2.2
                      Weight: 209 pounds
                      Hand length: 9 7/8 inches
                      Arm length: 31 1/4 inches,
                      Wingspan: 74 5/8 inches.
                      (Listed at 6-foot-3, 205 on his MSU bio page)

Brian Linthicum: Height: 6-foot-3.6
                            Weight: 249 pounds
                            Hand length: 9 3/4 inches
                            Arm length: 32 5/8 inches
                            Wingspan: 78 1/2 inches
                            (Listed at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds on his MSU bio page)

Trenton Robinson: Height: 5-foot-9.4
                               Weight: 193 pounds
                               Hand length: 9 3/4 inches
                               Arm length: 30 7/8 inches
                               Wingspan: 73 inches
                               (Listed at 5-foot-10, 195 pounds on his MSU bio page)

Funny how MSU's bios all seem to have the players slightly taller, right? Everyone adds a little bit more to their players.

Four Spartans on initial list for NFL Combine

The initial invitations to the NFL Combine have been sent out to 231 college football players, CBS Sports reported on Saturday. 

Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Trenton Robinson have received invites among Spartans. It should be noted that the initial invitation list only includes seniors.

I'm a bit surprised that Brian Linthicum wasn't on the list. He is rated the No. 6 tight end by CBS Sports.