NFL Michigan State Football

NFL scouts thought they knew these guys, and it turns out we think they got it right...

If you've seen our College Eye for the NFL Guy profiles, you'll probably notice that we're quite argumentative in them. Well, we don't always think that NFL scouts are missing the boat. There are a number of Big Ten prospects that seem to be projected in just about the right position.

Whenever possible, I will note a player's projected spot in Todd McShay's seven-round (!) mock draft ($).

RONDELL BIGGS, DE, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "Uses hands well, shows good upper body strength and flashes an effective rip move. Stays active and is a relentless pass rusher. Flashes the ability to run through blockers in the backfield and is a powerful tackler that can knock the ball loose when gets to the quarterback...Doesn't have great top-end speed and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Isn't fast enough to turn the corner and doesn't close well...He lacks ideal speed and athleticism but Biggs possesses good size and strength versus the run. Biggs also gives a great effort and plays with solid technique."

Probably getting drafted: He's nothing flashy, and may not get drafted. But if that happens, Biggs should be one of the more highly-coveted "street" free agents available after the draft.

PRESCOTT BURGESS, LB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He takes solid angles in pursuit and has established himself as a reliable tackler. He has long arms and a powerful upper body. Does a good job of controlling blockers at the line of scrimmage. He's a fluid athlete for his size...He would rather run around blockers than take them on, which he won't get away with in the NFL. He will have limitations in terms of one-on-one coverage in the NFL...There are also concerns regarding his toughness and mental capacity. Burgess projects as a mid-Day 2 pick in 2007."

Probably getting drafted: McShay has Burgess being picked by Green Bay in the sixth round (193rd overall). I think he's potentially one of the more underrated players in this draft. He's somewhat limited athletically, but he has good size and length, and could be a very effective backup as a rookie.

TYLER ECKER, TE, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "Shows adequate balance, plays hard and flashes the ability to sustain blocks. Plays under control in space, shows good athletic ability and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Has a wide frame, can shield defenders from the ball and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target...Doesn't explode into blocks, doesn't roll hips into blocks and isn't going to knock many defenders back. Doesn't appear to read defenses well and has some problems locating soft spots when working against zone coverage...Ecker has enough of size and athletic ability to develop into a quality reserve tight end in a scheme that doesn't ask him to do a lot of in-line blocking. However, his upside is limited by his lack of speed and explosiveness."

Probably getting drafted: Ecker was a solid player at Michigan, but he will be a priority free agent after the draft. He just doesn't have the physical tools for his position to justify a selection.

BRANDON FIELDS, P, MICHIGAN STATE

ESPN.com ($): "Has excellent leg strength and range should improve if he can improve technique. Possesses adequate accuracy and flashes the ability to pin teams deep...Though gets good hang time on kicks at times, he is inconsistent in this area and needs to work on overall technique...Fields has the power to develop into an excellent NFL punter but he isn't fundamentally sound or consistent at this point."

Probably getting drafted: If Fields gets picked, it will be late. Like most kickers/punters, it's hard to project a spot for him, but he has the talent to be a seventh-round selection.

NFL scouts thought they knew these guys, and it turns out we think they got it right...

If you've seen our College Eye for the NFL Guy profiles, you'll probably notice that we're quite argumentative in them. Well, we don't always think that NFL scouts are missing the boat. There are a number of Big Ten prospects that seem to be projected in just about the right position.

Whenever possible, I will note a player's projected spot in Todd McShay's seven-round (!) mock draft ($).

LEON HALL, CB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He's a fluid and smooth athlete. Possesses adequate-to-good size and plays even bigger than his size would indicate. An aggressive and tough cornerback. Shows very good instincts and will do an excellent job of reading quarterbacks' eyes in coverage...Lack of ideal turn-and-run skills is biggest knock...Hall is big and strong enough to handle bigger NFL receivers one-on-one and he also does a fine job supporting the run. In our opinion, Hall grades out as a mid-first round prospect but in a weak class of cornerbacks he could come off the board in the top-10 picks."

Probably getting drafted: Early. As the report notes, this is a weak cornerback class, and Hall is the best of the bunch. McShay has him going tenth overall to Houston, and there's little doubt he'll go in the first half of the first round.

ANTHONY SPENCER, DE, PURDUE

ESPN.com ($): "His motor never stopped running as a senior and it seems that the "light finally came on" in terms of his technique and recognition skills. He plays the run hard and will give great effort pursuing from the backside. Displays good strength for his size...Lacks ideal size; somewhat on the shorter side with just adequate bulk. Might struggle to get off of blocks as quickly versus bigger NFL lineman. He is quick and fast, but he doesn't possess great change-of-direction skills...While some consider him a 'tweener defensive end/outside linebacker, we're not convinced he's athletic enough to play linebacker in the NFL. His best fit most likely will be as a 4-3 defensive end in a one-gap scheme similar to the Colts'. Regardless, Spencer should come off the board late in the first or early in the second round."

Probably getting drafted: Spencer looks like he'll jump into the first round. McShay lists him 25th to the Jets. There's still a chance Spencer will drop into the first part of the second round, but the odds are still good that he'll get his name called by the time the Colts pick to close out the first round.

LaMARR WOODLEY, DE/OLB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He never gives up on a play and he displays an outstanding motor. He has improved his strength and did a much better job anchoring when teams ran at him as a senior in 2006...Has trouble stacking at the line of scrimmage versus taller, bigger offensive tackles. He has experience dropping into coverage but he's far more effective when turned loose up-the-field. He's a bit stiff in the hips and might not be fluid enough to make the move to linebacker in the NFL...The key for Woodley is to land with a team that will mask his weaknesses by using him as a one-gap DE. To his credit, Woodley bulked up and became much stronger versus the run in 2006. He also displays the speed, power and vicious mentality it takes to succeed at the next level. Despite his lack of a natural fit, we still think Woodley is worthy of consideration in the bottom-half of Round 2."

Probably getting drafted: Woodley's motor and strength seem to mask his status as a "tweener". A guy with his makeup but less physical ability would be relegated to the second day, but Woodley appears to be a solid second-round pick. McShay has him going 50th to the Titans.

East Lansing's online community is abuzz and amazingly active for a non-basketball, post-football, Sunday night. The buzz is all about the next Michigan State football coach, and competing reports as of 9:30 p.m. point to either of two figures as the next MSU coach, possibly to be announced on Monday.

Either University of Cincinnati head coach Mark Dantonio (pictured at right) or Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

According to a report by Cleveland Plain Dealer as published on Browns247.com, Grantham has accepted the job as the next head coach for Michigan State. This contradicts a report last week from Tim Staudt of WILX-TV that Grantham was no longer in the running for the job. WILX must be sticking to Staudt's story, because the station's Jeremy Sampson has reported tonight that Dantonio has accepted the job. Earlier the past week, MSU requested permission to speak with Dantonio, as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer. The Bearcat message board all but assumes Dantonio has been tabbed for MSU and is headed on a flight to land in East Lansing at 9:39 pm tonight (Sunday).

MSU, which finished dead last in the Big Ten this year at 1-7 (their worst conference record in 50 years), would benefit from either coach. And, either coach would benefit from MSU's situation. The Spartans can only go up.

Stay tuned. Yet another edition of your Spartan Soap Opera.

Since the Michigan State gridders will spend yet another holiday season at home watching football on television, maybe it is a good thing we fired our coach. It gives us Spartans something to talk about, and something to do, other than basketball and hockey.

And, Brian Kelly, head coach of Central Michigan University, now seems to jump to the top of the list of potential Spartan coaches. This, after Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is now out of consideration for the MSU football job -- according to WILX-TV's Tim Staudt. In his newscast tonight, Staudt failed to mention his source or the reason why, but was emphatic about Grantham no longer in the running. He does have a credible inside skinny with Michigan State, so his word is pretty good... much better than anyone named "Hondo."

Kelly's Chippewas crushed Buffalo, 55-28, today to finish 8-4 this season and 7-1 in the Mid-American Conference. CMU will play the 8-3/6-1 Ohio Bobcats next week in the MAC championship for a bid to the Motor City Bowl. Impressively, however, is Kelly's ability to turn a program that was dead as a doornail just two years ago into a conference title champion. This, in addition to his two national titles and his 90%+ winning percentage at Division II Grand Valley State. Kelly will interview with MSU for a second time this week, according to Staudt. He is also being courted by Iowa State.

Staudt mentioned Kelly in the same breath as Pat Shurmur of the Philadelphia Eagles and Mark Dantonio, head coach of the University of Cincinnati. Staudt stated that Shurmur has not been contacted by MSU since he interviewed 10 days ago.

Dantonio's 6-5/3-3 Bearcats, meanwhile, came off an impressive 30-11 victory over previously undefeated #7 Rutgers last week to dash Rutgers' national title hopes and also to make the Bearcats bowl-eligible. Dantonio, whose claim to fame includes a stint as the defensive coordinator when Ohio State last won the national championship in 2002, has also mastered a turnaround of a dead football program.

The one name left out of Staudt's comments: Bo Pelini, defensive coordinator of Louisiana State. By the way, #9 LSU defeated #5 Arkansas, 31-26 today. Pelini has one coaching victory under his belt, defeating Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl as the head coach of Nebraska back in 2003. But, he has also coached numerous top-ranked defenses, including this year's LSU, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. He played cornerback at Ohio State. The ES likes Pelini.

You can expect an announcement early next week. MSU needs to recruit, BAD, and we need our coach in ASAP. MSU President Lou Anna Simon knows this, and she may have already made up her mind... but is just eating some turkey and taking some days off to sleep on it...

So who are the finalists for the Michigan State coaching job? Spartan AD Ron Mason countered rumors in the past week that there had been interviews. Believe what you may, but you can believe that the Spartan brass HAS contacted these folks, whether or not Mason knows it or wants to admit it. Remember, Mason isn't the point on this -- MSU prez Lou Anna Simon is.

The ES digs Bo Pelini. Look at his bio. Look at HIM. He looks defense. He looks mean. Hire him. Immediately. That is why the ES likes him over Grantham...

I rated everything on a 3-point ES Likert scale:

1=zippo or nearly zip; 2=ok, nothing to brag about; 3=meets MSU needs

#1 BO PELINI - bio
Louisiana State University - Defensive Coordinator

Coaching responsibility: 3 out of 3 (head coach for bowl game)
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 2 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 3 out of 3 (lots of winning experience, NFL experience, he inspires, young)
TOTAL: 12 out of 15

Pelini is in his second season as LSU's defensive coordinator. In 2004, Pelini served as Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, helping the Sooners to the national championship game against Southern Cal. Pelini spent the 2003 season as the defensive coordinator for 10-3 Nebraska, leading a defense that tied the school record with 47 turnovers. In addition, the Cornhuskers were No. 2 in the nation in takeaways and they led the nation in turnover margin at +1.77 per game. Pelini was promoted to interim head coach where he guided Nebraska to a 17-3 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl. Pelini's coaching background includes nine years in the NFL coaching for the San Francisco 49ers, the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers. As a player, Pelini was a standout free safety at Ohio State, earning four letters from 1987-90.

#2 TODD GRANTHAM - bio
Cleveland Browns - Defensive Coordinator

Coaching responsibility: 2 out of 3
MSU connection: 3 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 3 out of 3
College success: 2 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (NFL experience, college success, young)
TOTAL: 12 out of 15

Grantham was named the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns on February 17, 2005. Grantham joins the Browns with six years of NFL coaching experience with Houston (2002-04) and Indianapolis (1999-2001) as a defensive line coach and also brings nine additional years of coaching experience from the collegiate level. Grantham served three seasons as the defensive line coach at Michigan State (1996-98). He added the title of assistant head coach in 1998, with Michigan State ranked 19th in total defense in 1996 and 13th in 1997, making consecutive bowl trips. Grantham spent six seasons (1990-95) at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, the final two as defensive line coach. In 1995, the Hokies ranked first nationally in rushing defense, fifth in scoring defense and 10th in total defense. Virginia Tech racked up 50 sacks en route to the Big East title and a Sugar Bowl triumph over Texas.

#3 JON TENUTA - bio
Georgia Tech University - Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator

Coaching responsibility: 2 out of 3
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 2 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (25 years of experience on defense)
TOTAL: 11 out of 15

Tenuta is in his fifth season as Georgia Tech's defensive coordinator with 25 years of experience as a defensive coach. He also coaches the Yellow Jackets' defensive backs. Tenuta has built one of the nation's best units over the last two seasons, ranking in the Top 25 nationally in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense for the last two seasons, including 13th against the run both years. Tech allowed an average of 104.3 yards rushing and 307.7 total yards for 2004-05 combined. Tenuta came to Tech in 2002 after one season at North Carolina, which he guided to become the top-rated defense statistically in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2001. Under Tenuta, the Tar Heels led the ACC in total defense and pass defense while ranking third in run defense and scoring defense. Tenuta previously served as a defensive coordinator at five other schools, including Marshall (1987), Kansas State (1988), SMU (1990-94), Ohio State (2000) and North Carolina (2001). He is a native of Columbus, Ohio.

#4 BRIAN KELLY - bio
Central Michigan University - Head Coach

Coaching responsibility: 3 out of 3 (head coach)
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 1 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (lots of winning experience, young)
TOTAL: 10 out of 15

In just two seasons, head coach Brian Kelly has rejuvenated the Central Michigan University football program. CMU is on the verge of a Mid American Conference title, with a 6-0 conference record and 7-3 overall including last week's 31-7 victory over their arch-rival, Western Michigan University. In just his second year at the helm last year, CMU put together a four-game winning streak midway through the season en route to a 6-5 overall record and 5-3 mark in the Mid-American Conference. It marked the Chippewas' first winning record since 1998 and most overall and conference wins since the same season. Kelly arrived at CMU fresh off consecutive NCAA Division II national titles at Grand Valley State University. He was 118-35-2 in 13 seasons at Grand Valley, including 103-22-2 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Lakers were 41-2 in Kelly's final three seasons, winning 32 consecutive games at one point, and claiming Division II national championships in 2002 (14-0) and 2003 (14-1). His 2001 squad finished 13-1 and advanced to the national championship game. Kelly was named the AFCA Division II Coach of the Year twice (2002 and 2003) and led the Lakers to five conference titles and six Division II Playoff appearances in his 13 seasons at Grand Valley.

#5 PAT SHURMUR - bio
Philadelphia Eagles - Quarterbacks Coach

Coaching responsibility: 1 out of 3 (position coach only)
MSU connection: 3 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 3 out of 3
College success: 2 out of 3
Intangibles: 1 out of 3 (NFL experience, young)
TOTAL: 10 out of 15

Pat Shurmur is in his fifth season as the Eagles quarterbacks coach and his eighth as member of Andy Reid's staff. His first three seasons in Philadelphia were spent as the Eagles tight ends coach, helping develop three-time Pro Bowler Chad Lewis. An All-Big Ten conference center and team captain at Michigan State, Shurmur joined Andy Reid's staff in Philadelphia in 1999 after an 11-year stint as a college assistant. Shurmur spent the 1998 season at Stanford as an offensive line coach in charge of the centers and guards. Prior to his tenure at Stanford, Shurmur spent nine seasons at Michigan State instructing the tight ends, special teams and offensive line. Under his guidance, MSU developed three tight ends that went on to the NFL: Ty Hallock, Duane Young and Mitch Lyons.

#6 CHARLIE STRONG - bio
University of Florida - Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator.

Coaching responsibility: 2 out of 3
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 1 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (lots of winning experience, NFL experience)
TOTAL: 9 out of 15

Strong has served as a defensive coordinator in every position since 1999, and is currently the assistant head coach to Urban Meyer at Florida. He was the interim head coach for the 2004 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. Miami (Fla.). Has 23 years experience as a collegiate coach (Florida, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Southern Illinois, Texas A&M) and seven years as a defensive coordinator. Also has two years coaching experience at the professional level as an intern with the New Orleans Saints in 1993 and the Detroit Lions in 1994. Coached in 17 bowl games, including 10 January bowl games.

It's his job to lose.

Pat Shurmur, the current quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, is now the leading candidate to replace John L. "Call Me Knucklehead" Smith at Michigan State.

Shurmur, who would be a "baby" among college coaches at age 41, was the All-Big Ten center for the last Spartan football team to make it to the Rose Bowl, back in 1988. He has the fire and the desire to become the next Spartans coach. He is a Spartan. And, his biggest supporter was just elected to the MSU Board of Trustees: former MSU head coach George Perles.

But, does he have the experience? That is the big question, yet there are signals out of East Lansing that Shurmur is the leading candidate. Tim Staudt, a local radio talk show host, and "Dean of Mid-Michigan Sports" on WILX TV-10, stated this morning that "his sources" confirm Shurmur is the buzz among Spartan brass. Staudt, like him or not, holds some clout with his skinny on the MSU athletic department for just being around so dang long in these parts. Take his word for it: Shurmur's at the top of the list.

Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Donovan McNabb told the Philadelphia Inquirer (link here): ""He's well deserving of it. He's worked extremely hard at preparing us, and he does a great job of making sure we're ready to go. He loves his school. He's definitely one that always seems to bring up Michigan State. I know he wants a crack at that job and he would be great." And, Eagles head coach Andy Reid stated, "I think he would do a great job for them."

There's one way to tell if he can do the job. Have Mason and Simon offer to put his tail on a plane and get him to East Lansing PRONTO. Let's see him coach these Spartans in tomorrow's game against the Minnesota Gophers (the ES predicts a 28-19 loss as it is, with four field goals by MSU's frosh phenom Brett Swenson providing a glimmer of hope). Put Shurmur out there and have him call the plays... he can't do any worse than numbnuts Smith, and, hey, we might even have a chance at a W.

The Internet rumor mills, including the Enlightened Spartan, list other candidates for the job being defensive coordinators Jon Tenuta of Georgia Tech, Charlie Strong of Florida, Bo Pelini of Louisiana State, and Todd Grantham of the Cleveland Browns. Head coaches Brian Kelly of Central Michigan University and Mark D'Antonio of the University of Cincinnati are also being mentioned in the East Lansing buzz. FYI -- former Detroit Lions/San Francisco 49ers/University of California coach Steve Mariucci said "no" to MSU at this time, according to his best buddy and current Spartan basketball coach Tom Izzo.

Todd Grantham, the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, has vaulted to the top of the list of those being considered for the vacant head coaching job at Michigan State University. Nick Saban, the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and the former MSU head coach, flew into Detroit late last week to meet with Spartan brass to talk about Grantham being the next Spartan commander-in-chief.

Under Saban from 1996-98, Grantham built MSU's defense to one that was the best since the brass knuckle defense of the George Perles championship years. Michigan State ranked 19th in total defense in 1996 and 13th in 1997. And, as well all know too well in East Lansing, Spartan football has spiraled straight into the toilet since that era ended.

Grantham was highly thought of by academic support services on campus during his tenure at MSU, when he coached the defensive line for Nick Saban. One former tutor told the Enlightened Spartan: "I really liked Todd. He treated the kids like kids instead of so many X's and O's, which is how Saban saw them. He understood the importance of keeping them in line but also keeping lines of communication open with them. He also knew how to teach, not just yell. I thought he was a real super guy."

Notably, the Cleveland Browns entered this past weekend ranked 17th in the NFL in total defense, 10th in scoring defense. The Browns have a record of 2-6 on the season, including today's loss to the Chargers, 32-25.

According to the Cleveland Browns' website, Grantham (link here) has seven years of NFL coaching experience. He has been with the Browns since 2005, spent three seasons each with Houston (2002-04) and Indianapolis (1999-2001) as a defensive line coach. Grantham has nine additional years of coaching experience from the collegiate level including his three years at MSU. Grantham spent six seasons (1990-95) at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, the final two as defensive line coach. In 1995, the Hokies ranked first nationally in rushing defense, fifth in scoring defense and 10th in total defense. Virginia Tech racked up 50 sacks en route to the Big East title and a Sugar Bowl triumph over Texas. Grantham coached defensive ends and inside linebackers from 1990-91 and defensive tackles from 1992-93.Grantham played guard and tackle for the Hokies from 1984-88. He earned second-team All-South and honorable mention All-America honors as a senior.