Though used in a variety of institutions, the Wonderlic test has become best known for its use in the NFL pre-draft assessments of prospective football players.
This assessment roughly corresponds to examples from Paul Zimmerman's The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football. According to Zimmerman, examples of average scores for each position are:
* Offensive tackle – 26
* Center – 25
* Quarterback – 24 (Most teams want at least 21 for a quarterback.)[6]
* Guard – 23
* Tight end – 22
* Safety – 19
* Linebacker – 19
* Cornerback – 18
* Wide receiver – 17
* Fullback – 17
* Halfback – 16
Pat McInally, a graduate of Harvard University is the only football player to record a confirmed perfect score of 50.[7] Ryan Fitzpatrick, also a Harvard graduate and currently a quarterback with the NFL Buffalo Bills, had also been rumored to have scored a perfect 50 points in only nine minutes.[8] However, Fitzpatrick denied this, saying that he had left at least one of the 50 answer spaces blank.[9] The Wall Street Journal later reported that Fitzpatrick's actual score was 48 but that Fitzpatrick's claim of completing the Wonderlic in only nine minutes was accurate (this report appeared in the September 30, 2005 edition of the WSJ in the Weekend Section). As of 2005, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kevin Curtis, a graduate of Utah State University, was reported to be tied with Fitzpatrick and Benjamin Watson of the Cleveland Browns as having scored a 48, the highest Wonderlic score of any active NFL player.[10] In 2011, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy also scored a 48.[11] During the 2009 Combine NFL Network's Rich Eisen mentioned that Boston College graduate Mike Mamula, a 1995 draftee, scored a 49; USA Today has also reported on this claim.[12]
On the other hand, some high profile players have scored rather low on the test. Dan Marino and Vince Young both scored 16 on the test, though Vince Young scored a 6 on his first attempt.[13] Marcus Vick, brother of Michael Vick, scored 11. Michael himself scored a 20.
Vince Young must be very proud of that "6" which I assume could be an all time low. Now I know why I do not want Vince on my team being that the NFL generally wants at least a 20-21 for a QB. Surprised to see those scores for lineman. Maybe these guys are not just big Neanderthals after all. Imagine an OL having the highest average scores. I probably would have them with the lowest. I can understand why a RB would be low as any smart guy is not going to opt for a position with the shortest average career span and to be pounded on day after day.
The sample questions I saw were interesting. There have been some NFL players that were illeterate. I doubt there are any today although some might not pass a psychological test. I can see where this test may be more important than most of us relalize. If a guy scores a 6 and is a QB I doubt you really want to draft him.
This assessment roughly corresponds to examples from Paul Zimmerman's The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football. According to Zimmerman, examples of average scores for each position are:
* Offensive tackle – 26
* Center – 25
* Quarterback – 24 (Most teams want at least 21 for a quarterback.)[6]
* Guard – 23
* Tight end – 22
* Safety – 19
* Linebacker – 19
* Cornerback – 18
* Wide receiver – 17
* Fullback – 17
* Halfback – 16
Pat McInally, a graduate of Harvard University is the only football player to record a confirmed perfect score of 50.[7] Ryan Fitzpatrick, also a Harvard graduate and currently a quarterback with the NFL Buffalo Bills, had also been rumored to have scored a perfect 50 points in only nine minutes.[8] However, Fitzpatrick denied this, saying that he had left at least one of the 50 answer spaces blank.[9] The Wall Street Journal later reported that Fitzpatrick's actual score was 48 but that Fitzpatrick's claim of completing the Wonderlic in only nine minutes was accurate (this report appeared in the September 30, 2005 edition of the WSJ in the Weekend Section). As of 2005, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kevin Curtis, a graduate of Utah State University, was reported to be tied with Fitzpatrick and Benjamin Watson of the Cleveland Browns as having scored a 48, the highest Wonderlic score of any active NFL player.[10] In 2011, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy also scored a 48.[11] During the 2009 Combine NFL Network's Rich Eisen mentioned that Boston College graduate Mike Mamula, a 1995 draftee, scored a 49; USA Today has also reported on this claim.[12]
On the other hand, some high profile players have scored rather low on the test. Dan Marino and Vince Young both scored 16 on the test, though Vince Young scored a 6 on his first attempt.[13] Marcus Vick, brother of Michael Vick, scored 11. Michael himself scored a 20.
Vince Young must be very proud of that "6" which I assume could be an all time low. Now I know why I do not want Vince on my team being that the NFL generally wants at least a 20-21 for a QB. Surprised to see those scores for lineman. Maybe these guys are not just big Neanderthals after all. Imagine an OL having the highest average scores. I probably would have them with the lowest. I can understand why a RB would be low as any smart guy is not going to opt for a position with the shortest average career span and to be pounded on day after day.
The sample questions I saw were interesting. There have been some NFL players that were illeterate. I doubt there are any today although some might not pass a psychological test. I can see where this test may be more important than most of us relalize. If a guy scores a 6 and is a QB I doubt you really want to draft him.
