NFL Draft: Is Morris Claiborne's Wonderlic a Concern for the Vikings?

By now, I'm sure you've heard about LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne's very, very low Wonderlic test.

He's an option for the Vikings at three, so it is certainly a concern for them and their fans.

Or is it?

In an excellent article by the National Football Post, Greg Gabriel talks a little about some of the controversy around both the Wonderlic itself and this score.

First, I have to agree with Gabriel that the Wonderlic's value is way overestimated by pretty much everyone. Yes, sometimes it picks off guys who aren't that bright. Sometimes it just causes worry for no reason (Dan Marino had a 16 and he turned out pretty good).

Aside from the constant test prep for it, it's a test that, as far as I can tell, hasn't really changed in the 30 years the league has used it. Plus, you can debate the merits of standardized testing anyway, as people have taken arms against the SATs and similar tests for years.

I will point out that the Wonderlic has absolutely nothing to do with football and never will. It can't measure instinct, can't measure heart and won't measure physical ability. It can't rate desire. So as far as I'm concerned, there's only so much for which we need to use it.

Gabriel also asserts that Claiborne has a learning disability, one colleges knew about when they recruited him out of high school. I don't have any special information from Claiborne's camp, but I find it hard to believe this is made up.

According to Gabriel, LSU knew about this disability (whatever the nature) and both they and Claiborne worked hard to deal with it.

Says Gabriel:

"

Everyone I have talked to tells me that Claiborne has great character and is a great kid. He knows and understands his disability and uses all the resources that LSU has available to control it and to help him get by in the classroom. When it comes to football he puts in extra time to learn and understand his assignments and it is not a problem. Will he need reps? Probably, but no more than the usual rookie would need. In saying that, Claiborne’s test score was NOT a true indicator of his intelligence. He can and does learn.

"

Is it a concern? It can be. We have seen other players with learning disabilities wash out, like Nate Davis. However, by all accounts, a lot of Davis' issue was effort.

From everything we see, Claiborne is not a guy who lacks focus and effort.

If the Vikings decide to go with USC OT Matt Kalil, I can't blame them. He's far and away the best tackle in the draft and they are desperate for his help.

If it's about football—that Kalil is the better fit, better player, bigger need—then that's fine.

If the Wonderlic score is the difference and but for that 4 score, he'd be a Viking, then I think they would make a tremendous mistake.