NFL and the Wonderlic Test

Summary

The NFL draft process includes the Wonderlic Test, created by E. F. Wonderlic, to assess cognitive abilities of prospects. Administered in 14 languages to millions annually, it's a tool for evaluating quick decision-making, with varying opinions on its relevance. Notable high scorers like Pat McQuinn and Kevin Curtis demonstrate that high test scores don't guarantee success, but problem-solving skills are crucial in the NFL.

Takeaways

• 🏈 The NFL draft prospects are evaluated not only on physical abilities but also on their cognitive skills, such as learning and problem-solving.
• 🧠 Al Wonderlic created the Wonderlic test, which is used to assess the general intelligence of job applicants, including NFL prospects.
• 📚 The Wonderlic test has been a part of NFL draft preparation, with about 300 players taking it at the NFL combine each year.
• 🕒 Test takers have 12 minutes to answer 50 questions, each worth one point, covering a variety of subjects.
• 🔄 Contrary to some players' perceptions, no questions are repeated in the test, aiming to assess a range of cognitive abilities.
• 🤔 The test is often compared to the SATs in its length and the feeling of being exhaustive for the test takers.
• 🛠 Coaches and personnel directors view the Wonderlic test as just one of many tools for evaluating players, not the definitive measure of their potential.
• 🏆 Despite its use, there are examples of players with both high and low scores succeeding or struggling in the NFL, indicating it's not the only indicator of success.
• 🎓 The test is known for its problem-solving component, which is a critical skill for players to adapt quickly on the field.
• 📉 There's an anecdote suggesting that a perfect score on the Wonderlic test may have actually hurt Pat Mckin's draft position due to concerns about what to do with someone so intelligent.
• 🏆 Al Wonderlic's contributions have made a significant impact on the NFL, with his test becoming a part of its history and player evaluation process.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the NFL draft prospects' physical abilities display?

The prospects display their abilities to run, throw, catch, lift, and jump to demonstrate their physical fitness and skills for the coaches and scouts during the NFL draft.

What additional piece of information are coaches interested in finding out about the players?

Coaches are interested in finding out the players' desire to learn and their capacities for thinking, which can indicate their potential for strategic understanding and adaptability on the field.

Who is Al Wonderlick and what is his contribution to the NFL?

Al Wonderlick is the creator of the infamous Wonderlic Test, which is used to assess the cognitive abilities of NFL prospects. His test has become a staple in draft preparation for every team.

What is the Wonderlic Test used for in the context of employment?

The Wonderlic Test is used by employers to evaluate prospective job applicants by measuring their general intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

How has the Wonderlic Test evolved since its inception?

The Wonderlic Test, initially published in a basement, has grown to be produced in 14 languages for 7,000 businesses and assessed by about 2.5 million people worldwide annually.

How is the Wonderlic Test structured in terms of time and scoring?

Test takers have 12 minutes to answer 50 questions, each worth one point, covering a variety of subjects.

What are some common misconceptions about the Wonderlic Test based on players' recollections?

Some players remember the test as being very long, repetitive, and heavily slanted towards math, which may not accurately reflect the actual content and structure of the test.

How do coaches and personnel directors view the importance of the Wonderlic Test in player evaluation?

While the Wonderlic Test is considered a valuable tool, coaches and personnel directors do not see it as the definitive measure of a player's abilities or potential to succeed in the NFL.

What is the significance of quick decision-making in the NFL, and how does the Wonderlic Test relate to this?

Quick decision-making is crucial in the NFL due to the need to adapt to unexpected situations during games. The Wonderlic Test assesses this ability through its focus on problem-solving and quick responses.

What is the highest confirmed perfect score in the Wonderlic Test, and who achieved it?

The only confirmed perfect score of 50 in the Wonderlic Test history was achieved by Pat Mckin, a former Bengals punter and wide receiver.

How might a high Wonderlic Test score impact a player's draft position?

A high score on the Wonderlic Test, like Pat Mckin's perfect score, could potentially cause a player's draft position to be lower, as teams might be unsure how to utilize a player with such high cognitive abilities.