Darren McFadden: Wonder If The Wonderlic Is a Good Predictor

Now that Justin Fargas is gone, the media and others believe that Darren McFadden will share playing time with Michael Bush since Tom Cable may use a two-back rotation.

Darren McFadden was a No. 4 pick of the 2008 NFL draft. Injuries slowed him down during last season, but it is believed that he has the potential of becoming an outstanding Oakland Raider.

McFadden has a number of indicators of great potential, including a Wonderlic score of 17. Before any of us make a judgement about a score of 17 on the 12 minute, 50 question Wonderlic Test, it is suggested that you take it and compare your score with McFadden's.

Here is a portion of the test.  The test is designed to test aptitude for learning and problem-solving.

Has anyone ever made a perfect score on the Wonderlic? Yes, Pat McInally scored 50, and Ryan Fitzpatrick scored 48 in nine minutes according to the research.

Now there is a formula for converting McFadden's Wonderlic score to an IQ score. Double the Wonderlic score and add 60 to get an IQ. If this measure is accurate and valid, then possibly McFadden's IQ would be 94, since (2 x 17) + 60 = 94.

Of course, I am cautious in the use of IQ scores because I know that hard work, drive and other things can make up for a so-called pen and paper test to measure aptitude.

One thing is clear: we need strong, smart men with a passion for winning to join the Oakland Raiders or to become more active on the playing field in 2010.

Here are numbers for McFadden before he became an Oakland Raider:

 

Pre-draft measureables Ht Wt 40-yard dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP Wonderlic 6′1¼″ 211 lb 4.33 1.50 2.53 4.10 6.86 35½ in. 10′8″ 13 rep 17 All values from NFL Combine except 20ss, 3-cone, and vertical leap from Arkansas Pro Day

McFadden was t...

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