Revealed: Extensive Compilation of NFL Wonderlic Scores

Note: If you're interested in more general information about Wonderlic scores see our dedicated Wonderlic scores page or check out our full guide to the Wonderlic NFL Test.

Below, we present a breakdown of NFL players' Wonderlic scores by position, accompanied by insights into each role and the importance of strong cognitive skills for optimal on-field performance.

Wide receivers are key players in a football team's offense, primarily responsible for catching passes from the quarterback. Their main objectives are to gain significant yardage and to score touchdowns by utilizing their speed, agility, and precise route-running abilities. Wide receivers line up near the sidelines, at the edges of the offensive formation, which is where the term "wide" in their position name comes from.

Intelligence and cognitive ability can certainly be assets for this role—especially in understanding complex playbooks, quickly adjusting routes based on defensive schemes, and making split-second decisions on the field.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Wide Receiver position and their Wonderlic score:

Certainly, here is the provided list of players and their scores formatted in the same style as the second table: 

The Tight End is a position in American football on the offense. The role of a Tight End is versatile, involving both receiving passes and blocking for the run game. Tight Ends line up on the line of scrimmage, close to the offensive tackles, but they can also be positioned slightly off the line to catch passes. They are known for their combination of size and speed, which allows them to serve as both an extra receiver and an additional blocker depending on the play call. 

Tight ends require a good understanding of the game, including playbooks, strategies, and the ability to read defenses. Their role is multifaceted, involving both receiving passes and blocking for the run game, which demands adaptability and quick decision-making. They need to understand complex plays, react quickly to changing situations during a game, and have good communication skills to coordinate with the quarterback and other teammates. High cognitive ability helps a tight end to analyze defenses, make split-second decisions on routes, and understand their role in various play calls, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the offense.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Tight End position and their Wonderlic score:

In the NFL, the "S" position stands for "Safety." The Safety position is a part of the defensive backfield, which also includes Cornerbacks. Safeties are generally positioned 10-15 yards from the line of scrimmage, and their primary responsibilities include defending against pass plays by covering wide receivers or tight ends, providing deep support to prevent long pass completions, and stopping the run.

Their role on the field demands not only physical skills but also mental acuity for several reasons: 

• Read and React: Safeties must quickly read the offense's formation and movements post-snap to determine whether a play is a run or a pass. This requires understanding offensive strategies and the ability to anticipate plays based on formations and player movements.
• Decision Making: During a play, safeties have to make split-second decisions. For example, deciding whether to move forward to support the run defense, stay in their zone to defend a pass, or provide help over the top against deep threats.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Safety position and their Wonderlic score:

The Offensive Line (OL) position in the National Football League (NFL) is a critical component of the football team's offense. The OL consists of five players: two tackles (left and right), two guards (left and right), and a center. These players line up directly in front of the quarterback and running backs at the start of a play. The primary responsibilities of the offensive line include protecting the quarterback from defensive players (pass blocking) and clearing paths for running backs (run blocking). Here's why good cognitive abilities are crucial for performing well as an offensive lineman:

• Adaptation: Linemen need to adapt their blocking assignments based on the defensive alignment and any pre-snap adjustments the defense makes. This requires a deep understanding of football strategy and the ability to process information rapidly.
• Communication and Coordination: The offensive line must operate as a cohesive unit. Each lineman's ability to anticipate the actions of their teammates and work in unison is vital for the success of offensive plays.
• Adjustment: Linemen often have to make on-the-fly adjustments based on the unfolding of the play, requiring quick thinking and adaptability.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Offensive Linemen (OL) position and their Wonderlic score:

Linebackers are defensive players positioned behind the defensive line. They play a crucial role in stopping the opposing team's offense. LBs have diverse responsibilities, including run defense, pass coverage, blitzing the quarterback, and reading the offense's plays. They must quickly analyze the unfolding game, make critical decisions, and communicate effectively with teammates.

Linebackers need good cognitive ability skills to :

• Read and React: Linebackers often need to read the offensive formation, anticipate the play, and react accordingly. They must decipher the quarterback's intentions, detect fake plays, and respond rapidly. This requires strong cognitive abilities such as pattern recognition, situational awareness, and quick decision-making.
• Coverage and Communication: LBs are frequently involved in pass coverage, which demands the ability to track multiple receivers, understand route combinations, and communicate with fellow defenders to ensure proper coverage assignments.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Linebackers position and their Wonderlic score:

Linebackers (LB) Scores

Defensive Linemen(DL) are the players positioned in the front line of the defense, typically consisting of Defensive Tackles (DT) and Defensive Ends (DE). They play a pivotal role in stopping the opponent's offense by disrupting plays, pressuring the quarterback, and defending against both run-and-pass plays.

Two reasons for the importance of cognitive skills in DLs:

• Reading Blocks and Gaps: DLs need to read the movement of offensive linemen, identify blocking schemes, and locate gaps in the offensive line. Strong cognitive abilities allow them to make split-second decisions on whether to penetrate a gap or maintain gap integrity, depending on the play.
• Counter Moves and Strategy: DLs engage in one-on-one battles with offensive linemen. They need to employ a variety of pass-rush techniques, counter moves, and hand placement strategies to defeat blockers. Cognitive skills help DLs adapt to their opponent's moves, analyze their weaknesses, and make strategic decisions during these battles.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Defensive Linemen position and their Wonderlic score:

The Defensive End (DE) position in the National Football League (NFL) is a crucial role on the defensive line. The primary responsibility of a defensive end is to rush the passer and stop the run. These athletes are typically among the larger, stronger players on the field, and they require a unique combination of physical prowess and mental acuity to excel in their role.

Here are 2 reasons why good cognitive ability skills are essential for a Defensive End:

• Quick Decision Making: Defensive ends need to make split-second decisions during plays. They must quickly analyze offensive formations, read the quarterback's movements, and decide whether to contain the run or rush the passer. Good cognitive skills allow a DE to make these decisions swiftly and effectively.

• Play Anticipation: Understanding the tendencies of the opponents and predicting the play can give a defensive end an edge over the offensive linemen. Cognitive skills enable a DE to remember patterns, anticipate plays, and position themselves optimally to disrupt the offense.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Defensive End (DE) position and their Wonderlic score:

The Cornerback (CB) position in the National Football League (NFL) is a pivotal defensive role, primarily tasked with defending against the passing game. Cornerbacks are often matched against the opposing team's best wide receivers, requiring them to possess a blend of speed, agility, and physicality. Beyond these physical traits, a high level of cognitive ability is crucial for a cornerback to excel on the field.

Here are two reasons why good cognitive ability skills are essential for a Cornerback:

• Pattern Recognition: Successful cornerbacks recognize patterns in the offense's play-calling. This skill enables them to predict routes and play developments, improving their chances of breaking up passes or securing turnovers.
• Adaptability and Learning: The ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and receiver skill sets is vital. Cornerbacks face a variety of receivers with different strengths and styles. Cognitive skills help them learn from previous encounters, adapt their techniques, and apply new strategies effectively.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Cornerback (CB) position and their Wonderlic score:

The "RB" stands for Running Back, which is a key offensive position in American football, including the NFL (National Football League). The primary roles and characteristics of a running back include:

Ball Carrying: Running backs are often the primary ball carriers on rushing plays. They receive handoffs from the quarterback and attempt to advance the ball downfield through the opposing team's defense.

Blocking: Running backs are also responsible for blocking duties, protecting the quarterback on passing plays or creating space for other running backs or wide receivers during running plays or screen passes.

The role requires not only physical skills but also a high level of mental acumen for several reasons Running backs must have a thorough understanding of their team's playbook, including the details of various running, blocking, and receiving routes. Also 

Here is a list of NFL players who play the Running Back position and their Wonderlic score:

The quarterback (QB) position is one of the most critical and high-profile roles in American football, particularly in the National Football League (NFL). A quarterback is often considered the leader of the team's offense and plays a pivotal role in both the strategy and execution of the game. Here's why good cognitive abilities are crucial for performing well as a quarterback:

• Complexity: NFL playbooks are incredibly complex and detailed, containing hundreds of plays that require memorization and understanding. A quarterback must know the routes for receivers, protection schemes for the offensive line, and the responsibilities of every player on any given play.
• Pre-Snap Analysis: Before the ball is snapped, a quarterback must assess the defensive alignment and anticipate their strategies. This involves recognizing formations, understanding defensive tendencies, and predicting potential blitzes or coverages.
• Fast Decision Making: NFL games are fast-paced, and quarterbacks have only seconds to make decisions that can change the outcome of the game. They need to quickly process information, weigh options, and choose the best course of action.

Here is a list of NFL players who play the quarterback (QB) position and their Wonderlic score: