On one side, all 32 NFL teams were gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium. Though it was only rookie training camp, the undercurrents of draft strategy were already stirring.
On the other side, young players under the spotlight continued their assessments as scheduled.
After the running backs finished their urine tests, they bustled off to the next room, where they saw the quarterbacks blocking up the hallway.
Now, it was time for a unique test exclusive to football:
This short, high-reliability test assesses general cognitive abilities, measuring language, numerical, spatial skills, and problem-solving.
The test is twelve minutes long, with fifty questions for a maximum score of fifty.
The Wonderlic test, similar to an IQ test but simpler and more targeted, uses twenty points as the average, equivalent to a score of 100 on a traditional IQ scale.
In professional football, the playbook is vast, with up to 20,000 different plays. During any offensive or defensive snap, players might need to navigate a variety of tactical combinations, making it crucial for every player to fully understand the playbook. And merely reading or memorizing it isn't enough.
The Wonderlic test measures precisely these skills: spatial awareness, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and more.
Among all players, quarterbacks are particularly scrutinized here.
As the team's core position, the quarterback is the only one required to fully grasp the entire playbook—from offense to defense. While defense understanding only requires basic reading, offensive plays must be deeply understood.
In the NCAA, talent rules. In the NFL, it's brains.
Quarterbacks who fail to master the playbook or keep pace with evolving strategies often find themselves benched or retired, as was the case with Johnny Manziel. The Wonderlic test can significantly influence a quarterback's draft position.
Of course, it's just one data point.
A perfect score of fifty doesn't guarantee a star quarterback, and a score below the average twenty doesn't spell career doom. Each case is unique.
After years of testing, every position on the field has developed its own average score, so as long as a player meets this benchmark, they're typically fine.
Interestingly, the highest average scores aren't from quarterbacks but from offensive tackles, who average twenty-six points, with quarterbacks averaging twenty-four.
The lowest average scores belong to running backs, with fullbacks scoring seventeen on average and halfbacks sixteen.
This explains why running backs are often viewed as "muscle" or "bulldozers"—brainpower isn't usually their defining trait.
For context, other real-world professions have benchmarks too. Journalists average twenty-six, and programmers average twenty-seven.
The twelve-minute test felt shorter than expected. With fifty questions, there was little time to think; everything relied on gut instinct. Before anyone realized, the test was over.
Results were available immediately, updated in real-time, and recorded for each player's career profile, just like other camp data.
"Wow, that was tough."
"...No one's scored over thirty so far, right?"
"Did anyone get the third question? Anyone?"
"Was the answer to the last question...?"
"Oh no, I think I filled in the wrong bubble."
Chatter filled the hallway, a scene reminiscent of high school exam days. Players gathered around, questioning each other as if their future depended on it. In those moments, they forgot they were draft rivals and became students facing a daunting test.
But who would they ask for answers here?
There was no answer key.
As soon as Lance exited the room, he saw Mahomes grinning and waving enthusiastically, pushing his way over.
Lance smiled, seeing Mahomes's eagerness. "Looks like you did well?"
Mahomes laughed, "Actually... I messed it up."
With that, Mahomes casually showed his Wonderlic test result to Lance—twenty-four, right at the quarterback average.
Seeing Mahomes' grin and his score, Lance couldn't help but find it ironic. Was that really something to celebrate?
Noticing Lance's expression, Mahomes waved his hands dismissively, "I've never liked studying or taking tests. That's why I picked sports. But hey, at least I hit the QB average. That's basically a pass, right? Haha, I didn't think I'd even manage that."
It was certainly one way to look at things.
Lance's eyes glimmered with amusement, nodding in agreement. "Let's show our skills in the physicals coming up. We'll see who's really got it out there."
Mahomes laughed and nodded enthusiastically, eager to compete. "Everyone's struggling this year. Scouts look miserable. The stands are filled with gloomy faces. What about you? How'd you do? Ah, who am I kidding—you probably aced it."
Lance chuckled, "Seems I haven't been intimidating enough on the field if you all think I'm just using brains out there, huh?"
Mahomes blinked. "Isn't that a good thing? You're not one of those 'muscle-without-brains' types."
Five steps behind them, Fournette felt like he had arrows in his back, glancing down at his Wonderlic score—
The number was so glaringly bad that he wanted to tear up the results on the spot.
Not far ahead, Kamara stole a peek at his score. At twenty-four, he grinned with pride.
For a running back, his score was far above average and even matched the quarterback average. Kamara felt an instant surge of confidence.
He had already scoped out his competition's scores—Cook scored eleven, Mixon twelve, similar to Fournette.
Kamara's gaze landed on Lance. Though Lance was chatting and laughing with Mahomes, he hadn't revealed his score. Did he bomb the test, too?
Feeling a bit gleeful, Kamara prepared to approach Lance and humble him. If he could outshine Lance at rookie camp with better data and performance, teams would take notice, and his draft stock would soar.
Taking a deep breath, Kamara started toward him.
Just then, McCaffrey emerged from the room, heading straight for Lance and Mahomes. Peeking over Lance's shoulder, he glanced at Lance's test result, his eyes widening in shock.
"Jesus Christ, a perfect score!"
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