Jerel Worthy (2nd round), Kirk Cousins (4th), Keshawn Martin (4th), Trenton Robinson (6th), B.J. Cunningham (6th) and Edwin Baker (7th) gave the Michigan State Spartans seven drafted players in the 2012 NFL Draft.
The Spartans under Coach Mark Dantonio have firmly established themselves as a preeminent college football program, as evidenced by the number of East Lansing men drafted.
The Green Bay Packers drafted noise guard Worthy, hoping that he can help the defense get back to a competitive level. In spite of a 15-1 regular season record, the Packers’ defense was less than stellar.
“To be drafted to a franchise like Green Bay is unbelievable,” Worthy said. “I know from jump they will be competing for a Super Bowl title. That is the expectation for this team. I will have to come ready and prepared to make this pick worthy of the selection.”
Cousins, who led Michigan State to back-to-back 11-win seasons for the first time in school history, was taken 102nd overall in the fourth round. He was the second quarterback selected by the Redskins. They also drafted Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
“I hadn’t talked to them in the process at great length and didn’t know they were interested, but when I saw a Virginia number on my cell phone, I knew it was a possibility,” Cousins said during a teleconference. “When I answered, Coach (Mike) Shanahan told me, ‘I can’t pass you up and have to pick you.’
“It’s a unique situation with Washington picking Robert No. 2 overall, and I didn’t expect it, but Coach Shanahan knows quarterbacks. He worked with Steve Young and John Elway.”
Martin, drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round (121st overall), feels he has a lot to offer. He scored touchdowns five different ways during his career with the Spartans.
“I’m a fast, quick receiver that can also return punts and kickoffs,” Martin said. “I’m a good fit for the Houston Texans.”
San Francisco took Robinson in the sixth round, 180th overall.
“I had actually talked to them a couple of days before the draft,” Robinson said. “They said they liked me and they were definitely going to be drafting a safety. My dream is here, and all I have to do to get where I want to be is work hard.”
Miami selected Cunningham in the sixth round, 183rd overall.
“I am ready to put in the work,” he said. “This is an opportunity that I plan to take advantage of.”
My man Baker, taken by the Chargers in the seventh round, 250th overall, had a rough 2011 season after a noteworthy 2010 season. He has the speed and the strength to surprise Chargers fans. The good thing for him is the that the Chargers did not draft any other running back in the seven rounds, so he has a real chance to make this team
Three members of the 2011 Wayne State University national finalist football team have started their professional careers by signing free agent contracts. Troy Burrell signed with the Detroit Lions, Jeremy Jones inked a deal with the Chicago Bears and Joe Long earned a contract from the St. Louis Rams.
Wide receiver Burrell recorded 12 100-yard receiving games and set the WSU career mark for receptions (187), while finishing second in career receiving yards (3,132) and touchdowns (27). Burrell is fifth in average yards per reception at 16.75 yards per catch, eighth in career touchdowns (28), ninth in all-purpose yards (3,299) and 10th in scoring (168 points).
Leland Stein can be reached at lelstein3@aol.com and Twitter at LelandSteinIII.
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