Tracking Spartans from the 2012 NFL Draft

Kirk Cousins and Offensive Linemen Tom Compton celebrate after a touchdown
Photo Courtesy of WashingtonPost.com

By Blain Bradley

As the NFL preseason winds down, teams are making cuts and rookies are continuing to battle it out for a coveted spot on the 53 man roster for game day. The Spartans 2012 draft class was their biggest since 2000. The picks are listed in order: Jerel Worthy DT (2nd Round Green Bay Packers), Kirk Cousins QB (4th Round Washington Redskins), Keshawn Martin WR (4th Round Houston Texans), BJ Cunningham WR (6th Round Miami Dolphins), Trenton Robinson FS (6th Round San Francisco 49ers) and Edwin Baker RB (7th Round San Diego Chargers). 

Worthy has made an impact at Packers training camp. Rookie defensive lineman Mike Daniels was quoted saying that Worthy "loves the game of football" and "loves to bring energy." Last season Worthy earned consensus first team All-American honors from the Associated Press. Worthy brings tremendous size and power to the Packers. Worthy has gained praise from coaches and fellow players for being vocal and passionate. Look for him to pair up well with B.J. Raji on the Packers d-line. He has been lining up next to Raji in nickel packages. Worthy eats up blockers, allowing Raji and blitzing linebackers to get an inside rush. Worthy should make an impact right away. 

Former Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins has impressed analysts, teammates, and coaches alike. Many were shocked when the Redskins drafted Cousins after selecting Heisman winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. What football outsiders don't understand is that in today's league sometimes it is better to have a traditional pocket passer rather than a dual threat quarterback. Robert Griffin brings a running game, however NFL defenses are far too athletic and smart to allow Griffin to run wild on them. If he somehow flops, Cousins can step in and be the signal caller for Washington. 

Cousins brings experience to the Redskins. He was a three year starter at MSU, who as a sophomore earned captain honors. He had a stellar season last year leading the Spartans to an Outback Bowl win. Cousins threw for 3,316 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions as a senior. He has incredible football knowledge and is a pure leader. 

Cousins amazed fans during his second half performance against the Bears this preseason. Cousins threw the ball 23 times, in which he completed 18 of those passes for 264 yards. He had three passing touchdowns. Redskins receiver Terrence Austin praised Cousins. Austin had this to say about the rookie quarterback:

“The other day, one of the guys mentioned to me how he’s like a computer, and I guess you can kind of see that. What I like about him is he’ll ask you questions about what you’re thinking on your route so he can kind of connect it. He has a strong arm, he’s mobile and he’s real smart. I’m impressed with him so far.”

Hopefully Cousins can continue his on field success. The Redskins have two preseason games left in which they'll face the Colts and Buccaneers. 

Former Spartan wide receiver Keshawn Martin is emerging as the starting slot receiver for the Houston Texans. Martin impressed coaches so much that he started in his first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Martin replaced injured star Andre Johnson. The Texans love how versatile Martin is. He even had a rushing attempt in which he ran for 12 yards on an end-around play. Martin also has the ability to return kicks and punts. He is a special player who was a fourth round steal by the Texans.

Little has been said about former wideout B.J. Cunningham. He has struggled to find a spot in the Dolphins receiver rotation. It's odd because the Dolphins are lacking at the wide receiver spot. Cunningham should really capitalize on this and try to earn a key role. According to the Miami Herald chances of Cunningham making the final roster are slim. It's a shame because Cunningham had a spectacular season last year. His teammates voted him the most valuable player amongst the Spartans. Cunningham hauled in 79 passes for 1,306 yards (he had 12 touchdown catches). Cunningham left MSU as the Spartans all time leader in receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,086). Hopefully he can breakout and put numbers up in the NFL.

Trenton Robinson has gotten mixed reviews from football insiders. He has steadily progressed, but coaches are ready to see him pick the pace up. The free safety has a fair shot at making the team and even seeing playing time. Robinson has seen lots of field time during the 49ers two preseason exhibitions. Robinson has also been a key member of the special teams unit for San Francisco.

Former Spartan running back Edwin Baker seems lost in San Diego. Last season LeVeon Bell out played Baker and it seemed that Baker had hit his peak. The case seems similar in San Diego. Baker has been over shadowed by the play of undrafted rookie running back Michael Hayes. Both are trying to survive and find a spot on the practice squad.

The Spartans put together a unique draft class that should be successful in given time. Keep your eyes peeled for big play from Cousins, Worthy, and Martin this season. 

Spartans Ranked No. 8 In Sports Illustrated

Via ESPN.com

By Sean Gagnier
@SeanGagnier 

The preseason rankings have been out for a while now, and according the The USA Today the Spartans are the 13th best team in the land, trailing the rival Wolverines who sit in eighth place. But a new ranking is out, this one from Sports Illustrated and things look a little different. In that listing the Spartans are a top ten team, No. 8, and the Wolverines have taken over the 13th position.

SI's reasoning in why they have Michigan State ranked No. 8 is that while the Spartans have lost Kirk Cousins, the man that will be replacing him is actually better than he was. SI explains that even though Cousins had the game experience, that his replacement, Andrew Maxwell, has a better arm and is more athletic. With the full stable of receivers the Spartans have this season, Maxwell shouldn't have trouble finding someone to throw to.

Maxwell was named the "Breakout Player" on this Spartans team, as he will take over a club that has posted back-to-back 11-win seasons for the first time in school history. Michigan State's defense is just as good, if not better than it was last season, and will keep opponents from scoring regularly, giving Maxwell and his offense many opportunities to get and maintain the lead.

SI noted four-star safety recruit Demetrious Cox as the Spartans top recruit, but with as good as the secondary was last season (18 interceptions to lead the B1G) Coach Mark Dantonio will likely follow his blueprint and red-shirt Cox for the 2012 season.

William Gholston was spotlighted by the magazine, as one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball, and with the performance the former five-star recruit turned in during the win in the Outback Bowl over Georgia he is quite impressive.

Yes, Gholston has had his bad times, after twisting Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson's helmet and punching Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan in the facemask, but he served his suspension and came back to his team playing a clean game, but playing with the same ferocity that he had before the ban.

Michigan State did lose a defensive force in Jerel Worthy to the Green Bay Packers, but another former five-star recruit Lawrence Thomas has transitioned from a linebacker to a defensive end. Meaning that this Spartans team will now have a five-star defensive end on each end of the line every down while the middle of the defensive line sports names like Anthony Rashad White and Marcus Rush.

With an impressive defense returning, and improving from last season, and a quarterback in Maxwell that is thought to be even better than Cousins, the Spartans simply need to get their receiving corps in order and they will be the favorites for the Legends Division crown for another season.

The Michigan State preseason depth chart has Bennie Fowler and Keith Mumphery listed as the starting receivers, but former four-star recruit to Tennessee DeAnthony Arnett is making a push for a job of his own. Redshirt-freshman recruit Juwan Caesar is also pushing for his own starting job. With the Spartan receiving corps bristling with this much talent, Dan Roushar's pass happy offense should continue to cruise.

Coach Dantonio has said that he wants to get back to running the ball and no one should be happier to hear that than Le'Veon Bell who is listed as the starting running back. Bell is a physical back who almost seeks out contact, a la Adrian Peterson, when he gets through the line and is in the secondary. He will be pushed however, as senior Larry Caper hopes to regain his starting job.

With the defense as solid as ever and the offense reloading, it appears as though the No. 8 seed placed on the Spartans by SI is well deserved.

  

2012 NFL Draft: A look at this and past year's classes from Michigan State

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

The Michigan State Spartans have put forth a solid class entering Thursday's 2012 NFL Draft.

Most notable is quarterback Kirk Cousins, who owns nearly every quarterback-related at Michigan State. Of course, Jerel Worthy could be the first taken, but don't forget about talented receivers like Keith Nichol, Keshawn Martin and B.J. Cunningham, along with tight ends Garrett Celek and Brian Linthicum.


Running back Edwin Baker declared early, and safety Trenton Robinson could be a late-rounder, further adding to a solid group which could see at least four drafted by a pro team.


As the Spartans continue their climb up the NCAA football ranks, surely, there will be more players considered for the draft. Since 2008, Michigan State hasn't had more than three athletes taken in a single year.


Since this year's class seems to be the deepest, it's only logical to take a look back at some of the sturdiest classes in recent history while also highlighting some of the better players in memory.


The 2005 class was arguably one of Michigan State's best of the decade, at least in terms of sheer numbers. Four players were selected that year: running back Deandra Cobb was taken in the sixth round by the Atlanta Falcons, while kicker Dave Rayner was taken the same round by the Indianapolis Colts.

The Miami Dolphins selected defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson in the seventh round, and the Green Bay Packers took guard William Whittaker later in the seventh.


Other noteworthy draftees include Javon Ringer, who was taken by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. Ringer still sees back-up duties behind Chris Johnson.


[Follow this link to see every NCAA school's draft history. Programs are listed in alphabetical order.]


Devin Thomas was a part of the New York Giants' Super Bowl XLVI team this season and has had a productive NFL career. He was one of the Spartans' most exciting receivers -- a great threat in open space with a set of incredible hands. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2008 draft.


Other than Thomas, Drew Stanton has been Michigan State's earliest player taken in recent years. Thomas was the third pick of the second round in 2008, while Stanton, who now plays for the Indianapolis Colts, was the 11th player taken in the second round of the 2007 draft.


Stanton -- one of Michigan State's elite -- was drafted by the hometown Detroit Lions and made his way to the New York Jets. But he then asked to be moved to Indianapolis after Tim Tebow bumped him out the No. 2 role behind Mark Sanchez.


Check back for more Spartans-related NFL Draft notes and analysis throughout the week.

2012 NFL Draft: Would Kirk Cousins be a good fit with Buffalo Bills?

Photo: Associated Press -- Former MSU Spartans QB Kirk Cousins reportedly scheduled visit with Buffal Bills.


By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

If former Michigan State Spartans star quarterback Kirk Cousins is drafted, he'll likely be taken Friday, April 27, or Saturday, April 28. Those are the two days when the second through seventh-rounders are picked.

While it's unclear when and where he'll go, one report of interest has surfaced. According to Buffalo Rumblings (which cited Fox Sports), a Buffalo Bills blog, Cousins scheduled a visit last week with the team.

The Bills have Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter, followed by Tyler Thigpen and Brad Smith (depth chart). But Cousins could potentially squeeze in the rotation and challenge Thigpen for the back-up job. The former Spartans great has the intangibles that NFL scouts and analysts have fallen in love with. He's intelligent, a great leader, and has an adequate understanding of the game.

Thigpen didn't see many snaps in 2011, completing three of eight attempts for a total of 25 yards during two lopsided losses. However, in 2008, his second year in the NFL, Thigpen showed a little promise by throwing for over 2,600 yards. He's since bottomed out, and the Bills haven't shown much confidence in him.

The Bills' perceived lack of confidence in Thigpen could create an opening for Cousins, should he be drafted by Buffalo. Or, at the very least, force Thigpen to up his game.

Cousins doesn't have the arm of Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Stafford, or even one comparable to Stanford's Andrew Luck, who will likely be the No. 1 pick of the draft.

But Cousins can complete the mid-range throws. He can also make plays on his feet, often demonstrating the ability to hit receivers on the go or gain yards on broken plays. Cousins is thought of a pro-style quarterback for good reason. But he's not a stand-still like other typical pro-style quarterbacks. One that comes to mind is former Colts All-Pro Peyton Manning, who didn't need to be mobile because of his excellent arm.

Cousins' mixture of skills will bring a variety of options to his next offensive coordinator, whomever he may be.

It's all but certain that an NFL team will go after Cousins. He was a three-year captain who left Michigan State as its career-leader in wins (and just about every other quarterback-related record) and beat in-state rival Michigan three times as a starter. He knows how to be efficient under pressure and keep a cool head while doing so.

The only real concern is his arm strength. But that could be improved with the proper guidance and training. Buffalo would be a good destination, even if just as a starting point, for Cousins. The Bills were in the top half of the NFL in total passing yards with 3,703 (15th). So, in theory, Cousins could get his feet wet early if called upon.

Michigan State Spring Practice Storylines

From MSU Football Facebook Page

By Sean Gagnier
@SeanGagnier

The post-Kirk Cousins era has begun in East Lansing, Mich and Junior Andrew Maxwell is at the helm. Cousins is coming off a very successful college career but he has said that the team is in good hands with Maxwell.

"He's (Maxwell) a lot farther along at this point in his career than I was," Cousins said at media availability earlier in the season.

While Maxwell has only attempted 51 passes in games during his Spartan tenure, Head coach Mark Dantonio has confidence in the junior. He is talented, no one is doubting that, the real thing is if he can get the team to coalesce around him.

MSU Football Facebook Page

Maxwell inherits a young receiving corps that includes Bennie Fowler, Juwan Caesar, Keith Mumphrey and Tennessee-transfer DeAnthony Arnett. While a group of inexperienced receivers may seem like a negative thing for most quarterbacks, Maxwell may be in luck. These are the guys that he has been working with for several years during practices while the big names were catching passes from Cousins.

That relationship and understanding of one another that was built during their time on the practice squad will end up helping both Maxwell and the receivers that are tapped as starters for this season.

The receiving corps is another point that is thought to be a weakness, but with Caesar being a touted recruit and Coach Dantonio's recent statements about the progression of Mumphrey, not to mention the experienced Fowler and Arnett - this team won't miss a beat, or a pass for that matter.

Michigan State enjoyed one of the best defense's in the Big Ten and country during the 2011 season and despite losing Jerel Worthy the Spartans "D" doesn't look to miss a beat.

The Spartans will have Marcus Rush, Tyler Hoover, Anthony Rashad White, William Gholston, Micajah Reynolds and Lawrence Thomas on the defensive line in 2012. And if opposing offensive lines can keep those behemoths back long enough their QB's will have to face linebackers Taiwan Jones, Max Bullough and Denicos Allen.

Michigan State looks to have only improved in the off-season despite losing many faces of their program, but that is a mark of a good program. Players come through and draw attention to the team as they succeed and are replaced by players who look to improve on what came before them.

  

Former Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins' intangibles will suit him well in the NFL

Photo: Associated Press

By Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

Kirk Cousins' polished attitude and way of interviewing was always something I admired. Oftentimes, the former Michigan State Spartans quarterback spoke like a coach or other authoritative figure, sounding less and less like a "college kid" at each turn.

Now, Cousins—who is Michigan State's career-leader in wins, touchdowns, and just about every other quarterback-related category at the school—is looking to take his maturity to the next level. Of course, he's more mentally mature by virtue of aging. His game has also matured, especially during the past two seasons, when he led the Spartans to back-to-back 10-win seasons and a 2012 Outback Bowl win over Georgia.

AdChoices

ESPN's Mel Kiper has Cousins as the No. 6 rated quarterback on his famous "big board." Considering that many felt Cousins was overrated, or just plain lucky, in college, hovering outside the top five isn't all that bad for the Holland, Mich. native. He'll likely be taken in April's NFL Draft.

While he accomplished just about everything within his reach during his tenure at Michigan State, pro scouts look to find flaws, Cousins said Wednesday after participating in Michigan State's Pro Day at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

As he has in the past, Cousins shrugged the criticism. He chooses to look at the bright side, rather than focus on what he didn't do, or could have done better, in college.
Cousins has the task of proving why he should be drafted. But the scouts are looking for reasons to stay away.

"It's really a process of devaluation, rather than evaluation," Cousins told MLive.com Spartans writer Graham Couch. "They're trying to find what's wrong with you. They're try to see why they shouldn't draft you. So they're not going to focus on the positives.

"They're not going to focus on that I was the winningest quarterback in school history. They're not going to focus on that we won 11 games in back-to-back years. They're going to focus on the games we lost and why we lost them and whatever you accomplish, they're going to tell you what you didn't do."

Cousins was never one to make excuses. After an embarrassing 37-6 road loss to Iowa in 2010, Cousins didn't point the finger at others. He accepted his shortcomings and promised to bounce back. He never called out a teammate or deflected responsibility. He was the captain, and he took his job seriously.

So instead of hiding behind mistakes, Cousins says he brought them to the forefront. NFL scouts want to see that, he says.

"You can't be defensive, you have to take ownership (of mistakes)," Cousins said. "At the end of the day, these guys know football well enough to know that sometimes it wasn't always your fault. But they want to see you take ownership.

"That can wear on you. But it's part of the process and we understand that going into it. But certainly draft day will be a welcomed relief in the sense that, that work is all done and I'll be able to go to a team and show them what I can do and what I'm capable of."

Because of his uncanny leadership, genuine likability, along with his desire to compete and reach the highest level possible, Cousins will likely be drafted and make an NFL roster. Teams will probably end up looking past Cousins' flaws and focus on his attitude.

He's not the most athletic quarterback in the draft. He's not the prototype teams salivated over like former Stanford Cardinal star Andrew Luck. But Cousins has the will that can't be coached. His best attributes, possibly, aren't physical—they're mental. Cousins' character and desire to compete will suit him well at the next level.

2012 Outback Bowl: Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, Georgia's Aaron Murray present unique quarterback match-up

This article was originally published on Yahoo! Sports
By Adam Biggers

Michigan State has traditionally has had success on the ground. However, the 2011 season required more from senior quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for a career-high 3,016 yards, 24 touchdowns—while setting program-bests in career wins and passer rating—and led the Spartans to a Big Ten Legends Division title.

While running backs LeVeon Bell, Edwin Baker and Larry Caper had solid showings, they weren't as effective as they were in 2010. That was fine, because Cousins picked up the slack, utilizing receivers like BJ Cunningham, Keith Nichol and Keshawn Martin in big play after big play.

Cousins was arguably the best quarterback in the Big Ten this year, and has the capability of airing it out Jan. 2 against the 16th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (10-3) during the 2012 Outback Bowl in Tampa.

But, the 17th-ranked Spartans (10-3) will be put to the test in their post-New Year's Day bowl, as the Bulldogs have quite the quarterback of their own in sophomore Aaron Murray.

Like Cousins, Murray had a banner year, setting school records with 33 touchdowns and 2,861 yards. He took charge of an offense that was similar, at various levels, to the Spartans'. Both teams had weapons in the backfield, but threw the ball en route to making their conference title games.

It's almost funny how alike the Bulldogs and Spartans are. And that was the thought heading into the Big Ten title game, as the Spartans and Badgers were near-mirror images of one another as well.

Stingy defenses, the Spartans and Bulldogs each gave up less than 20 points per game. Both had steady contributions from their lines, linebackers and secondaries, too.

That being said, which quarterback will have the upper hand Jan. 2? That remains to be seen, but Cousins' numbers certainly suggest that he'll have the edge.

Against ranked teams

Cousins torched the Badgers twice this season, throwing for six touchdowns and nearly 600 yards en route to posting a 1-1 record against one of the best teams in the land. He didn't need to throw much during the Spartans' 28-14 win over Michigan, but connected with receivers for two touchdowns, nonetheless.

Cousins was 2-1 against ranked teams during the regular season, but failed to impress in a 24-3 road loss to Nebraska.

Murray was 2-2 against ranked teams in 2011 and threw for at least 230 yards and two touchdowns in each game. He wasn't horrible in losses to Boise State and South Carolina, either—both of which were formidable adversaries.

He threw for four touchdowns in the Bulldogs' 45-42 loss to South Carolina and threw for two scores in a 35-21 loss to Boise State. He tossed four more in a 45-7 romping of Auburn later in the year.

For a sophomore, he showed great poise in leading the Bulldogs to a 10-2 regular-season mark. However, in the biggest game of the year, a 42-10 loss to Louisiana State in the SEC championship, he completed just 40 percent of his passes and threw two picks. But not many quarterbacks successfully dissected LSU.

Accuracy and tendencies

Cousins completed 65.5 percent of hiss passes and threw just seven interceptions. However, he had the propensity to force throws and could have easily thrown more than seven.

Murray did this season what Cousins has done in the past—he forced a lot of throws. His completion rate of 58 percent is respectable, but his 12 interceptions suggest he doesn't always make the best decisions with the ball.

Near the end of the year, Cousins had a three-game stretch without an interception, finishing with seven pick-less games on the year.

Murray threw three interceptions in a win over Mississippi State, and had three games in which he didn't throw to the other team.

Of course, those comparisons mean virtually nothing this time of year. The level play in the SEC is perceived as far superior to the level of Big Ten, and one could argue each quarterback's true effectiveness against their conference's top competition.

It's a new season, and the hottest quarterback will likely lead his team to a win Jan. 2—but the stats are interesting to discuss and debate.

Adam Biggers has followed NCAA football for over 20 years, specifically the Michigan State Spartans. As the Outback Bowl approaches, he will profile other player match-ups, compare defenses, offenses, and special teams in later articles.

Adam can be reached by e-mail at Adam.Biggers@Yahoo.com, or, by Twitter @AdamBiggers81.