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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

Quick notes from Outback Bowl media day (w/ video)

Just wrapped up Outback Bowl media day at MSU. Will have more later, but here are some quick notes:

--Pat Narduzzi is a little worried about blitzes, because Georgia likes to do quick passes. Youngstown State ran a similar thing and it caused issues early for MSU. The Spartans will have to adjust.

--Narduzzi said MSU will run its three-linebacker base defense for the most part. Georgia likes to use three wide receivers with some no-huddle. This usually presents problems for MSU, so expect Georgia to attack Chris Norman quite a bit.

--Micajah Reynolds has looked really good at defensive tackle in practice. Narduzzi said if he keeps it up, he'll be sticking on defense.

Notes from Big Ten players teleconference

Yesterday, we got the coaches, today we got three players from each team in the Big Ten Football Championship game.

Surprisingly, each player was excited to be playing in Saturday's game and wants to go to the Rose Bowl. We got team captains for MSU and Russell Wilson, Montee Ball and defensive lineman Patrick Butrym from Wisconsin. Here are some more specific topics from each team.

MSU:

--Trenton Robinson stole the show with his typical emotional answers. Among them, he said the feeling leading up to this game is the most excited he has ever felt at MSU.

--Pat Narduzzi should include Robinson as a reference on his resume. Robinson called him, "a genius," saying any mistake the defense makes is because of the players, not the coach. Robinson said Narduzzi always keeps things simple and does a great job preparing the players for anything they will face.

--Robinson called games against Wisconsin, "how football is." When Ball comes through the hole, Robinson knows it's going to be a collision and said he loves that.

--Robinson was not surprised the Badgers are as much as a 10-point favorite. He said MSU is used to the underdog role. Joel Foreman didn't know who was favored, but said the players wouldn't care. Kirk Cousins said there shouldn't be a need for anymore motivation other than the Rose Bowl.

--Foreman said the game will be determined by physicality, surprising from an offensive lineman (sarcasm). He said games against Wisconsin will always come down to that.

--Cousins told Wilson after the first meeting that he thought the teams would see each other again. He also called Wilson "the real deal" after the game.

--Cousins said he thinks MSU is playing its best football of the year and that Wisconsin doesn't have a weakness. He had better hope the second part isn't true.


Wisconsin:

--Montee Ball said he took himself out of the first game when he got banged in the second quarter. On TV, it didn't look like Ball knew where he was, but Ball said he remembers everything and the trainers ran all the tests and determined he was good to go.

--Ball echoed everyone else on Wisconsin saying MSU deserved to win the game, but he added that the Badgers shot themselves in the foot. Some missed tackles, turnovers and special teams errors are what he's talking about. After stubbing their toe last year, the Badgers seem to be having foot issues.

--After the loss to Ohio State, Ball said the Badgers thought all their goals were gone. "We're human. We thought all of our hopes, all of our dreams, were out the window."

--Russell Wilson said the Badgers expected to face adversity in the first meeting, and was proud of how his team fought back to tie up the game in the fourth quarter.

--Asked if MSU/Wisconsin was becoming a football rivalry, Butrym said he thought so, although this series' recent history has been determined by home field.

--Ball said the game isn't about revenge, rather, it's about redemption.

'Let those guys get out and win a national championship'

The MSU program has changed a lot since Trenton Robinson was forced to play eight games as a true freshman in 2008. Robinson has never been one to mince words, and now with his final game at Spartan Stadium coming up this Saturday, Robinson can look back on how the program has grown.

Only two true freshmen are playing this year, linebacker Taiwan Jones (mostly on special teams) and long-snapper Matt Giampapa.

"That's what's crazy. They can actually redshirt freshmen. Taiwan might be the only one in that class that didn't redshirt, and he' s a freak. They could have done it with more guys, but they didn't have to. That's always a good thing for a coach to let those guys really develop into their bodies. It's a great thing."

As for when the program took that next step, it seems to be when Greg Jones announced he would come back for his senior year to win a championship. That came after the fracas at Rather Hall that resulted in the "transfer" of several players and the loss in the Alamo Bowl that followed. The mindset in the program changed after that.

"We were just disappointed with that year (6-7 in 2009). We were supposed to come in and be (one of the top teams in the Big Ten) and I'm not sure if we let that go to our heads or what, but we were disappointed with it. We came back and we decided we're going to work harder than we ever worked. We had guys out here doing stuff, everybody was pushing everyone. 

"When Greg, he's a stand-up guy, says, 'I'm not going to go to the NFL because I want a Big Ten championship.' This man stayed back from millions of dollars, because he had a great year (in 2009), like No. 2 linebacker in the country. And he's like, 'I'm staying back to win a Big Ten championship. Money means nothing.' You have guys do that, and if you're not going to lay it all on the line every time you get on the field or workouts or something, you shouldn't be on this team. I felt like everybody worked hard."

Is that attitude still there?

"Yes. That is carrying on. Everybody lays it on the line every time. We've got guys who are out there so banged up stil banging. We want this so bad, it doesn't matter what's wrong with any of us. We're going to get it."

As for the future, the goals for this season are still in reach. After that? The sky's the limit.

"I just want us to continue to win and win a Rose Bowl, win a bowl game. Let's do something bigger than everything. Let's do something bigger than that. Let's win a Big Ten championship and then a Rose Bowl. Next year, let those guys get out and win a national championship. That's the type of stuff that I want to see."

The media will miss you, Trent.

MSU isn't 'selling out' with Pro Combat jerseys

My thoughts on the new Pro Combat jerseys in this column.

Here are some quotes that I wasn't able to fit in:

Dantonio: "I thought what Nike tried to do was take everything that we were as a Spartan and try to take that and mold that into this uniform. So I was very happy and excited about what they came back with."

Trenton Robinson: "The jerseys aren’t like the big motivation. We want to go out and win that game. To get that extra swag, everybody feels a little bit better."

"When you get new stuff, it’s like Christmas. You’re going to feel good."

I think that first quote from Robinson says a lot. It's going to be Michigan week, the jerseys are going to be the last thing on the minds of everyone. They'll be hyped up leading up to the game and when they take the field, but after about five minutes, it's going to be another football game where you have to make plays.

Lastly, here's Gholston talking about the decision to get them and what he thinks.