Evidence on the importance of cognitive ability tests for NFL quarterbacks: what are the relationships among Wonderlic scores, draft positions and NFL performance outcomes?

Authors

J. D. Pitts, Kennesaw State University
B. Evans, Georgia College & State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-9-2018

Publication Title

Applied Economics

Abstract

Employing data on National Football League (NFL) quarterbacks drafted between 2002 and 2012, the authors consider whether factors correlated with a quarterback being more productive in the NFL are the same factors that correlate with an improved draft position. In particular, the authors consider the relevance of scores on the Wonderlic test. Contrary to all prior literature on the subject, the authors find that performance on the Wonderlic test is positively correlated with NFL performance. However, the authors find no clear evidence that Wonderlic scores are correlated with draft position. Beyond this primary finding, the authors reveal many other interesting results that should help researchers better understand a quarterback’s progression from college to the NFL.

Volume Number

50

Issue Number

27

First Page

2957

Comments

© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Last Page

2966

Recommended Citation

Pitts, J. D. & Evans, B. A. (2018). Evidence on the importance of cognitive ability tests for NFL quarterbacks: what are the relationships among Wonderlic scores, draft positions and NFL performance outcomes?. Applied Economics, 50(27): 2957-2966.