One of the many variables NFL teams plug 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 quarterback , none of the top prospects laid a Wonderlic egg. Boston College'sMatt Ryan, he of the off-the-charts intangibles, scored an impressive 32. And his score was matched by Louisville's Brian Brohm, 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'sJake 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.
At linebacker there are two players who look like surefire first-rounders, but one tested better. Tennessee'sJerod Mayo scored a 26 while USC's Keith Rivers had a 16. Rivers' test probably won't hurt 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.
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