Football IQ
Joe Burrow was noted to be like a "co-offensive coordinator" during his time at LSU, often changing his receiver's route based on defensive formations.
[1] In the NFL, rookies have been noted as sometimes experiencing difficulty adjusting to the pro game from college, with football IQ often presenting a challenge.
[12][13][14] Sports Illustrated writer Andy Benoit wrote: A QB is taught to play along the "midline"—the imaginary lane directly behind the center.
"[18] Crowell continued to write "most inside linebacker play at the next [college] level is getting yourself in the correct position before the ball is snapped.
Mark Beech of Sports Illustrated called offensive linemen "thinking men", noting how their role includes processing defensive formations and alignments, as well as constant thought behind footwork mechanics and hip positioning "for optimum leverage".
[19] Beech continued, writing "It is widely believed by coaches and NFL executives that offensive linemen are among the smartest players on the field.
[19]The aforementioned rookie struggle to adjust from college to the pros due to lesser football IQ has been noted to be particularly prevalent for wide receivers.
[2] Former NFL head coach Brian Billick noted that "running disciplined routes (both in terms of positioning and timing) and mastering the myriad sight adjustments and choice routes that are a big part of the modern pro game" as among some difficult aspects of a wide receiver's adjustment process.
[3] New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick cited Deion Branch as "one of the smartest receivers" during his tenure with the team.
"[22] Stevens went on to write that "players' intense focus on football may help explain why the sport has a reputation for fielding proportionally more low-performing students.
[15] A measurement of cognitive ability and problem-solving skills, the Wonderlic was part of scouting processes prior in the lead up to the NFL Draft.
A 2011 study by two Cal State Fullerton economics professors found a discrepancy in the rise of draft positions between white and black players regarding an increase from the 25th to the 75th percentile in a Wonderlic score.
