2011 NFL Draft: Nine Players Who Will Score Highest on the Wonderlic Test

The Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test, otherwise known as the Wonderlic, is a test that assesses a person’s problem-solving abilities. It is a test that the NFL administers on all prospective NFL Draft picks. This is to assess their aptitude.

To be successful in professional sports takes a lot more than simply athletic abilities. It requires quick thinking skills, another trait measured by the Wonderlic, because test-takers have only 12 minutes to answer 50 questions.

Paul Zimmerman wrote a book about the need for smarts in pro football. He researched the players’ results of the Wonderlic, finding that offensive tackles typically scored highest of all players, followed by centers and quarterbacks.  

Teams do take the results of the Wonderlic into account when they draft players, especially when drafting quarterbacks. Quarterbacks like Peyton and Eli Manning both scored high on the test. Ryan Fitzpatrick scored one of the highest scores of any player in the history of the test.

Here are the nine players that have a good shot at scoring higher than others this year.

9. Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech Hokies

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 18: Cornerback Rashad Carmichael #21 stands on the field against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech won 49-27. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Rashad Carmichael completed his Bachelor’s in human development at Virginia Tech in 2010. He began working towards a second undergraduate degree.

Anyone who can work through one degree while in college and start on a second should score well on the Wonderlic.

8. Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin Badgers

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

For three consecutive years (2008-10), Gabe Carimi was named to the Academic All-Big Ten.

This while he majored in civil engineering at Wisconsin. His background in engineering should make it easier on him when he takes the Wonderlic.

7. Joseph Barksdale, OT, Louisiana State Tigers

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 11: Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale #78 of the LSU Tigers sets to block against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Joe Barksdale is a talented OT. He is also talented in the classroom.

He maintained a 3.5 GPA while completing his degree in general studies.

6. Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado Buffaloes

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - AUGUST 31: Running back Kyle Bell #34 of the Colorado State University Rams rushes and is tackled by Jalil Brown #23 of the University of Colorado Buffaloes at Invesco Field at Mile High on August 31, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Colorado defeated

Jalil Brown graduated in December, completing a dual-degree in sociology and business management.

According to his Colorado player profile, he intends to start his own business after college. That might be put on hold if the NFL comes knocking, though.

5. Ryan Bartholomew, C, Syracuse Orange

Chris Gardner/Getty Images

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Greg Paulus #2 of the Syracuse Orangemen shouts to his linemen Ryan Bartholomew #70, Nick Speller #74, and running back Delone Carter #3 during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver St

Ryan Bartholomew was named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll five times during his career at Syracuse. In 2010, he was named to the Big East All-Academic Team.

After completing his undergraduate degree in health and exercise science, he began a Master's program in instructional design, development and evaluation.

4. Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide smiles after winning the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Greg McElroy was selected as one of The Sporting News "20 Smartest Athletes". He graduated with his degree in marketing in just three years while maintaining a 3.86 GPA.

He began a Master’s in sport management after finishing his undergraduate degree.

3. Brandon Bair, DT, Oregon Ducks

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats is helped up by defensive end Brandon Bair #88 of the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the ga

Brandon Bair may be one of the most interesting on this list. If going to school and playing football wasn’t enough, Bair is also a husband, a father and owns his own used car business.

He earned his degree in economics with a minor in Spanish. While working on his degree, Bair completed an internship with Brashers Northwest Auto Auction.

2. David Arkin, OT, Missouri State Bears

David Arkin is an offensive tackle, which has been statistically the highest scoring of players.

Arkin was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Academic Second Team in 2007 and 2008. He was named to the MVFC All-Academic First Team in 2009.

He has maintained a 3.71 GPA while pursuing his degree in construction management with a double-minor in real estate and finance.

1. Sam Acho, DE, Texas Longhorns

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 27: Sam Acho #81 of the Texas Longhorns moves on the field during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on September 27, 2008 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Texas won 52-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Ge

Sam Acho was a three-time Academic All-District selection as well as a three-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection at Texas.

He was also a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American. Acho was named one of The Sporting News "20 Smartest Athletes". He was a seven-time member of UT's Athletics Director's Honor Roll.

Acho graduated in December from the business honors program at Texas.