The wait ended quickly for Kirk Cousins on Saturday, but the destination was more than puzzling.The Michigan State quarterback was expected to go in the second or third round of the NFL Draft on Friday, but he went unselected, creating plenty of speculation to when he might go and where.The speculation ended early Saturday as the Washington Redskins made Cousins their fourth-round pick — the 102nd overall.The fact Cousins went quickly in the fourth round was hardly puzzling. What was, however, was the fact the Redskins were the team taking him. They selected Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, last season’s Heisman Trophy winner, with the second overall pick in the draft.”I was shocked,” Cousins said. “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. 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, and I think he held getting me in the fourth round was a steal. I think Robert is in their immediate plans and the long-term hope for their fan base, but they wouldn’t have selected me unless they believed in me. Now it’s up to me to learn the playbook and support Robert, and when I get my opportunity to play, Robert will support me.”Cousins was a three-year starter at Michigan State and finished his career as the career record-holder in passing touchdowns (66), passing yards (9,131), completions (723), passing efficiency (146.1 rating), total offense (9,004 yards) and 200-yard passing games (26).Cousins admitted he thought he would have been selected before the fourth round, but said he’s happy to be taken.”I was told second or third but even the day before you know in the back of your head that anybody can fall and anybody can move up,” he said. “I kept an open mind and would be excited wherever I ended up, and it happened in the fourth round. I’m excited for opportunity and have to make most of it by raising my level to that of a NFL quarterback.”Later in the fourth round, Michigan State wide receiver Keshawn Martin was selected 121st overall by the Houston Texans.”I was surprised to be picked by Houston because I hadn’t talked to the team at all during the draft process,” Martin said.He moved quickly up teams’ draft boards not only because of his pass catching, but his ability to return kicks and his overall versatility.”In college, I liked to compare myself to (Minnesota Vikings receiver) Percy Harvin,” Martin said. “I’m that type of player who can produce big plays.”Safety Trenton Robinson became the third Spartan to go on Saturday when the San Francisco 49ers selected him with the 10th pick of the sixth round, the 180th overall choice.”I’m very excited that they took a chance on me, and I’m just really ready to get out there and work,” Robinson said. “My dream is here. I just don’t even know how to feel except that I’m super excited to get out here and work and show them what I can do.”Three picks after Robinson went, wide receiver B.J. Cunningham went to the Miami Dolphins at No. 183.Cunningham finished his career as Michigan State’s all-time leader in receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,086) and is second in TD receptions with 25.”I’m so excited that I can’t wait to get to work,” Cunningham said. “The first phone call I got all day came from Miami.”They really like my consistency and the fact that I get better each year throughout my career. They also like my physical play and my ability to go across the middle and make plays.”Running back Edwin Baker was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round with the 250th pick overall.The six Michigan State players selected — Jerel Worthy was a second-round selection Friday by the Packers — are the most for the Spartans since five players went in 2000.Late Saturday, three Spartans who did not get drafted agreed to free-agent contracts.Tight end Brian Linthicum (New York Jets), tight end Garrett Celek (San Franciso 49ers) and fullback Todd Anderson (St. Louis Rams) all agreed to deals.twitter.com/mattcharboneau
