Is it smart to pay much attention to smarts? Michael Haynes hopes so.
As one of the top defensive ends available in this weekend’s NFL Draft, Haynes has perfect size (6-3, 281) for his position, impressive credentials (Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year) and pedigree from a proven program (Penn State). All these are measurable attributes that a team like the Giants can recognize.
The physical prowess excites anyone interested in adding a defensive lineman, but Haynes possesses a mental edge that has attracted the Giants.
“That’s a big thing in order to be successful, especially in today’s game, where you really have to study your opponent and defenses come in and out constantly,” Haynes told The Post from State College, Pa. “You got to be able to remember things and forget them as quickly as possible. It’s a very intelligent game.”
There are various ways to judge just how sharp Haynes is. He’s already graduated with a degree in Animal Science (he’d like to become a veterinarian and “work with rare creatures”) and, showing a practical side, has also taken several business courses.
“This is my 14th draft and Michael Haynes is one of the most articulate, personable men I’ve ever met in this business,” said Haynes agent, Brian Mackler.
All prospects are subjected to an array of examinations and one that helps gauge intelligence is the Wonderlic test, put together by a service in Princeton and often given to executives on the corporate level. The test is comprised of 50 questions and must be completed in 12 minutes.
The highest score possible is 50. Of this year’s top 100 draft prospects, the highest score was 40, achieved by Utah offensive tackle Jordan Gross. Haynes was seventh at 32, second only to Nebraska’s Chris Kelsay (33) among defensive linemen. By way of comparison, two University of Miami defensive line prospects, William Joseph and Jerome McDougle, scored seven and 10, respectively.
Is this relevant?
“It’s a factor,” Giant GM Ernie Accorsi said. “It’s part of the puzzle. It’s a piece of the evaluation. I’ve been around players with real low Wonderlic tests who were instinctively smart football players. Sometimes people are very, very smart but just don’t have instincts.”
It doesn’t take a genius to spot talent and production, and Haynes displayed both. He grew up in Panama, the son of a military father and blossomed as a senior, leading the Big 10 in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (22) while also forcing seven fumbles.
Haynes would be a perfect fit with the Giants, rotating in at end for Michael Strahan and Kenny Holmes. He figures to be selected in the second half of the first round. The Giants sit at No. 25 and might have to trade up a few spots to secure him, as the Bills at No. 23 adore Haynes.
“I definitely think I can come in and make an impact,” Haynes said. “I’m not going to ruffle anybody’s feathers, so to speak. I know my personality, that’s to come in and be a professional. If I come in to a team that already has a lot of veterans and they’re serious about making a run at a championship, I’m not going to come in and [tick] everybody off and mess up the chemistry.”
The Wonderlic Personnel Test (TM)
A sample of questions players like Michael Haynes have to answer as part of pre draft test:
1. Look at the row of numbers below. What number should come next?
8 4 2 1 ½ 1/4 ?
2. Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final one:
1. true 2. false 3. not certain? The boy plays baseball. All baseball players wear hats. The boy wears a hat.
3. Paper sells for 21 cents per pad. What will four pads cost?
4. How many of the five pairs of items listed below are exact duplicates?
Nieman, K.M. Neiman, K.M.
Thomas, G.K. Thomas, C.K.
Hoff, J.P. Hoff, J.P.
Pino, L.R. Pina, L.R.
Warner, T.S. Wanner, T.S.
