BULLITT

NFL teams weigh Wonderlic tests
By Dan Pompei
Tribune staff reporter

March 22, 2008, 12:20 PM CDT

One of the many variables NFL teams are factoring into their draft grades are scores from the Wonderlic tests given at the scouting combine.
Wonderlic tests are given to help gauge the intelligence of prospects.

NFL teams expect most prospects will score well because players can prepare for the tests. When a player has an unusually low score, it sets off alarms.

A person of average intelligence is supposed to score a 20. NFL teams like to see quarterbacks, offensive linemen,
middle linebackers and safeties score higher than that because those positions can be mentally demanding.

At the quarterback position, none of the top prospects laid a Wonderlic egg. Boston College's Matt Ryan, he of the off-the-charts intangibles, scored an impressive 32.
And his score was matched by Lousiville's Brian Brohm, who is the second-highest-rated quarterback after Ryan on most boards.

Joe Flacco of Delaware scored a 27 and Chad Henne of Michigan scored a 22. Both are considered second-round prospects.

Most of the top offensive linemen also tested well. Michigan's Jake Long scored a 26. Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah scored a 28. Southern California's Sam Baker scored a 27.
Vanderbilt's Chris Williams scored a 32. Boston College's Godser Cherilus scored a 25. Virginia's Brandon Albert scored a 23.

Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady had the only disappointing score from the top group of blockers, a 13.

At the linebacker position there are two players who look like surefire first-rounders, but one tested better than the other.
Tennessee's Jerod Mayo scored a 26 while USC's Keith Rivers scored a 16. Rivers' test probably won't hurt his stock because most teams consider him an outside linebacker.

Kenny Phillips of Miami, the only safety expected to go in the first round, did not help himself with a 16 test score.

Professor

wonerlic's are so subjective. can you find any sample tests? I will try to find one later and post it

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BULLITT

I saw one posted last year, can't remember where, but yes, they are subjective.
They're basically given so that team owners can feel somewhat secure about who they might be dolling millions to.



..or the NFL has no faith in the 'degrees' some of these kids have.

Professor

I think I remember Marino got like a 15 or something. There have been some perfect 50's most recently by Ryan Fitzpatrick. I think Vince Young got a 6, lol

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BULLITT

Each team probably has a 'sweet spot' number they're looking for.
If the kid scores too high, maybe they take a pass on him, because he'll be brighter than his coaches.