Ray Lewis, one of the smartest players in NFL history, scored a 13 on his Wonderlic. (Getty Images)

The Wonderlic test has long been criticized as an accurate indicator of football intelligence, but the NFL insists on having athletes take the test at every scouting combine. This will still be the case in 2013, but this year, the league will add a separate aptitude test, said Jeff Foster, the president of National Football Scouting. According to Foster, the hope is that the new test is "something that's a little more evolved than the Wonderlic."

Here's the NFL's memo about the new test:

At this year's combine we will introduce a new and expanded player assessment tool designed to offer a much more robust and comprehensive assessment of a player's non-physical capabilities, aptitudes, and strengths. This tool was developed by Harold Goldstein, Professor of Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Baruch College, City University of NY. Professor Goldstein is an expert in industrial psychology who has designed employment tests in a variety of other industries and has worked closely with Cyrus Mehri of the Fritz Pollard Alliance.

The assessment tool being introduced at the Combine is not intended to displace anything currently in use or substitute for other tests that are given either at the Combine or by the clubs themselves. Rather, this new test measures a wide range of competencies, including learning styles, motivation, decision-making skills, responding to pressure or unexpected stimuli, and core intellect. It was developed after detailed discussions with current and former league executives, including Ernie Accorsi, Thomas Dimitroff, John Elway, and Jerry Reese, and was reviewed by members of the general managers Advisory Committee.

This is an exciting innovation that brings updated best practices from corporate America to the NFL football operations. By giving clubs new and more relevant information, it offers additional information to supplement your decision-making in the draft. One of the most interesting aspects is that new information on player learning styles can potentially help our coaches' work more effectively with young players.

The Wonderlic is comprised of 50 questions, and people are given 12 minutes to complete it. Created in 1936 by E. F. Wonderlic, the test is given to people in many different walks of life, and has been part of player evaluation since former Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry introduced it to football in the 1970s. Several different studies have exposed the test as a less-than-accurate predictor of future football success.

Blaine Gabbert (who scored a 42 on his Wonderlic test) and Ryan Leaf (who scored a 27) would probably agree with that, as would Dan Marino, who scored a 15 when he took it. Alex Smith? A 40. Peyton Manning? A 28. Hmmm. Ray Lewis, one of the smartest football players ever, scored a 13. Mike Mamula, the patron saint of workout warriors everywhere, scored a 49. Harvard punter Pat McInally is the only football player to come out with a perfect score. Whenever you've got a punter leading the way on a test that's supposed to be an indicator of football success ... well, there are some issues here.

From the Sport Journal in 2005:

The market for NFL rookie quarterbacks was examined between 1989 and 2004. Attempts to model passing performance using player and team characteristics revealed statistically significant relationships between a quarterback’s collegiate passing performance and his race and teammates. Intelligence, as measured by the Wonderlic score, was statistically insignificant. Likewise, while expected relationships were found between collegiate passing performance and NFL rookie year salary, the author found no statistically significant relationship between intelligence and compensation or intelligence and draft number after controlling for passing ability.

Although the models revealed no compensation for smarter players at the quarterback position, such compensation may indeed exist at other positions where such a wide variety of performance statistics are not readily available. Future studies may endeavor to control for more of the franchise- and league-specific factors that impact the drafting and compensation of collegiate athletes ... Likewise, more intelligent quarterbacks are neither selected earlier nor compensated more for their mental abilities. Since no statistically significant relationship exists between tested intelligence and performance within the data examined in this study, NFL franchises might better utilize resources by focusing on other aspects of quarterback evaluation.

And a 2009 report from the Taylor & Francis Group indicated that no successful correlation between specific test intelligence and football aptitude could be found.

Tim Tebow at the 2012 ESPYs. (Getty Images)Tim Tebow's never been shy about showing his Christian faith, whether on the field of play or in interviews. Some have applauded him for his openness, some have mocked him, some wouldn't care if he worshipped Zeus, Chthulu or Voldemort if he could just run an NFL offense.

But faith forces you to make choices, and if you're a public figure, sometimes those choices don't sit well with some of your fan base. Tebow has agreed to speak before the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas on April 28. However, the church's pastor, Rev. Robert Jeffress, has taken polarizing social stances, fanning flames of controversy in exactly the kind of way that the NFL works tirelessly to avoid.

In a 2011 interview, for instance, Jeffress declared that Islam and Mormonism were religions that are "heresy from the pit of hell," took a hard line against Judaism, and claims that America is being "brainwashed" into accepting a homosexual agenda. (Despite his criticism of Mormonism, Jeffress supported Mitt

Tom Coughlin and the Giants struggled down the stretch (USA Today Sports Images)

Over the next few weeks, "Shutdown Corner" will pay homage to "Office Space" (TPS reports) as we take a quick look back at each team's 2012 season and a look at what lies ahead for the 2013 offseason. We continue in the NFC East with the New York Giants.

2012 record: 9-7

What went wrong: A 6-2 record at the midway point of the season had the defending Super Bowl champion Giants poised to walk away with the NFC East and defend the Lombardi Trophy in the playoffs. The Giants would lose three of their first four games to start the second half of the season, including a 17-16 loss to the eventual NFC East champion Washington Redskins on Dec. 3. After a blowout win of the New Orleans Saints the following week, the Giants were shut out 34-0 by the Atlanta Falcons and lost 33-14 to the Baltimore Ravens, putting them in a situation where they needed to beat the Philadelphia Eagles and have three teams lose and/or tie to make the playoffs. The Giants won, but two of the three teams they needed to lose in the regular season finale won their games, eliminating the Giants from the postseason.

The Giants' problems were largely on the defensive side of the ball. In terms of raw numbers, the Giants allowed 383.4 yards per game, which ranked 31st in the NFL, ahead of only the New Orleans Saints, who were historically bad last season. The Giants were 25th against the run, 28th against the pass and ranked 30th on third downs. A pass rush that posted 46 sacks in 2010 and 48 sacks in 2011 had just 33 in 2012, posting one or no sacks in seven of 16 games. Defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora, who had 25.5 sacks combined in 2011, had 12.5 last season. The lack of a pass rush contributed to a pass defense that yielded 60 plays of 20+ yards and 13 plays of 40+ yards.

What went right: Offensively, the Giants ranked seventh in Football Outsiders' opponent-adjusted team DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) metric, ranking fifth in rushing and 11th in passing. Ahmad Bradshaw played through chronic foot issues to lead the Giants with 1,015 yards , while Andre Brown had a team-high eight touchdowns before landed on injured reserve in late November. Brown landing on IR and Bradshaw's injuries led to first-round pick David Wilson emerging from his fumble-caused exile to Tom Coughlin's doghouse to carry the ball 43 times for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the final month of the regular season.

Victor Cruz topped 80 receptions and 1,000 yards for a second consecutive season and set a career-high with 10 touchdown grabs. The Giants also got a productive season out of tight end Martellus Bennett, who had 55 receptions for 626 yards and five touchdowns to go along with some high-quality blocking in the run game. The Giants offensive line allowed a league-low 20 sacks in 2012, finishing third in the Football Outsiders' "Adjusted Sack Rate" metric.

The Giants ranked 10th in Football Outsiders' special teams DVOA metric and were the best in kick returns, where rookie running back Wilson averaged 26.9 yards per return and had a 97-yard kick return for a touchdown in the shellacking of the Saints.

Coaching/front office changes: No changes to Tom Coughlin's coaching staff, but the front office did lose senior pro personnel analyst David Gettleman, who is now the general manager of the Carolina Panthers.

Estimated 2013 cap space: $4.518 million

Alec Ogletree has a lot of explaining to do. (Getty Images)There's never a good time to get a DUI, of course, but just a few days before the scouting combine, when you're a draft prospect? Yeah, that's especially bad. Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree, who found himself 28th on Shutdown Corner's pre-combine Big Board, now finds himself in this situation. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk heard from Pat Dye, Jr., Ogletree's agent, who told him this:

“Last weekend, my client Alec Ogletree was pulled over for speeding and a lane violation in Arizona. After the officers smelled alcohol, they conducted tests and also cited him for DUI. Although Alec regrets this incident terribly, he is thankful that there was no accident and that no one was hurt. Because this matter is still pending, we cannot comment further publicly at this time.”

Ogletree was also suspended four games at the start of the 2012 for a "violation of team rules," which, according to reports, was actually a violation of the team's substance-abuse policy. He still managed to make All-SEC Second team with 98 tackles in nine regular games, including 15 stops each against South Carolina and Georgia Tech. He added 13 tackles and a sack in the Bulldogs' 45-31 win over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1. He declared his intention to make himself available for the draft soon after.

Sadly, Ogletree has more examples of sub-par judgment. One day before what was supposed to be his first collegiate start, he was arrested for the theft of a motor scooter helmet that belonged to a member of Georgia's track and field team. Head coach Mark Richt suspended Ogletree for one game.

[Related: From Senior Bowl to combine, drills change, intensity picks up]

Based on his game tape alone, Ogletree was projected by most as a first-round prospect, even after the four-game suspension, because his athleticism and pure speed make him the ideal player for the NFL's new linebacker template -- the half-field defender who can cover slot receivers and tight ends as well as he can slam downfield on run fits.

Dez Bryant was a bright spot in 2012 (USA Today Sports Images)

Over the next few weeks, "Shutdown Corner" will pay homage to "Office Space" (TPS reports) as we take a quick look back at each team's 2012 season and a look at what lies ahead for the 2013 offseason. We now head to the NFC and begin in the NFC East and the Dallas Cowboys.

2012 record: 8-8

What went wrong: After a 3-5 start to the season, the Cowboys won five of six games and were on the cusp of making the playoffs before suffering back-to-back losses to the New Orleans Saints and Washington Redskins that dashed their playoff hopes.

Dallas' running game was a problem as No. 1 running back DeMarco Murray missed six games in the middle of the season due to a foot injury. The Cowboys had 50 yards or less on the ground in seven of their 16 games and averaged 79.1 rushing yards per game, which ranked 31st in the NFL last season. The Cowboys offense was 20th in the red zone and 27th in goal-to-go situations, resulting in them tying for the league lead in field goals.

The Cowboys lost inside linebacker Sean Lee, the heart and soul of the unit, to a toe injury midway through the season and ranked 19th in total defense and were 23rd according to Football Outsiders' opponent-adjusted defensive DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) metric. For a team that spent big money on Brandon Carr (five-year, $50.1 million) and moved up in the first round to select LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, the Cowboys recorded just seven interceptions on the season. Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware had a team-high 11.5 sacks and was named to his seventh Pro Bowl, but the usually dominant pass-rusher was slowed late in the season by a shoulder injury that required surgery after the season.

Nose tackle Jay Ratliff battled injuries all season and his backup, Josh Brent, was charged with intoxication manslaughter following a collision that took the life of Cowboys practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown.

[Also: Check out the new Minnesota Vikings logo]

What went right: Perhaps the best aspect of the Cowboys' 2012 season was the development of Dez Bryant into a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Dogged by questions about his maturity continued into training camp as owner Jerry Jones created a set of rules for the 2010 first-round pick to follow in order to remain a Cowboy. Bryant may always push the envelope with his decision-making away from the field, but 2012 was his statement season between the white lines. Bryant caught 92 passes and led the Cowboys with 1,382 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, scoring 10 of his touchdowns during a seven-game stretch in the second half of the season. Tight end Jason Witten set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end (110) and went over 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career. Witten was named to his eighth Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro.

Aiding the great seasons by Bryant and Witten was quarterback Tony Romo, who completed 65.6 percent of 648 pass attempts for 4,903 yards with 28 touchdowns, though "Bad Romo" did toss 19 interceptions. Romo ranked sixth in Football Outsiders' DYAR metric.

Coaching/front office changes: The Cowboys made several coaching changes this offseason. The most notable move was to part ways with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and hiring the legendary Monte Kiffin to run the defense. Joining Kiffin is Rod Marinelli, one of the best defensive line coaches in the business, who will aide in the Cowboys' transition to a 4-3 defense. Head coach Jason Garrett replaced special teams coach Joe DeCamillis with Rich Bisaccia.

Estimated 2013 cap space: $20.19 million over their adjusted cap number

Michael Vick will compete for starting job in 2013 (USA Today Sports Images)

Over the next few weeks, "Shutdown Corner" will pay homage to "Office Space" (TPS reports) as we take a quick look back at each team's 2012 season and a look at what lies ahead for the 2013 offseason. We now head to the NFC and begin in the NFC East and the Philadelphia Eagles.

2012 record: 4-12

What went wrong: The Eagles opened the 2012 season by winning three of their first four games – by four points combined – before losing 11 of their next 12 games, going the entire months of October and November without wins to finish 4-12 and missing out on the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Andy Reid was clearly on his way out, quarterback Michael Vick accounted for more turnovers (15) than touchdowns (13) and concussed then benched for rookie Nick Foles, who Reid had hoped to hitch his wagon to get another year in Philly.

Running back LeSean McCoy signed a big-money extension, but missed a month with a concussion and was kept out of the end zone for the final two months of the season. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson was also signed to a large extension and a so-so season – Jackson ranked 70th among NFL wide receivers in Football Outsiders' receiving DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement) metric - before landing on injured reserve in November with fractured ribs. Injuries also decimated an Eagles offensive line that would play the entire season without Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters (two torn Achilles), most of the season without center Jason Kelce (torn ACL) in Week 2) and lose right tackle Todd Herremans to a foot injury midway through the season.

Despite the injuries and inconsistency at the skill positions, the Eagles ranked 15th in total offense, but struggled in the red zone, ranking 28th in red zone efficiency and were dead last in goal-to-go percentage, leading to an effort that produced just 17.5 points per game, which ranked 29th, one spot behind the New York Jets' juggernaut offense.

Philadelphia's defense also ranked in the middle of the pack (15th), but when you adjust for opponent, which Football Outsiders does, the Eagles ranked 26th in defensive DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). That's what happens when you move a solid offensive line coach (Juan Castillo) to the defensive side of the ball. According to FO, the Eagles were 32nd against the pass, which speaks more to the touchdowns (33) than yards per game (216.9) that unit allowed.

What went right: Very little went right for the Eagles, but there were a few bright spots. For starters, third-round quarterback Nick Foles did not look out of place when he took over for Michael Vick late in the season. In seven games, Foles completed over 60 percent of his pass attempts for 1,699 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions (three of which came in his first two games) for a 79.1 passer rating. At the very least, the Eagles have a quality backup who could be a valuable commodity on future trade markets.

The Eagles' 2012 draft also produced seventh-round running back Bryce Brown, who ran for 367 yards and four touchdowns in his first two starts for a concussed LeSean McCoy. The 6-foot, 223-pound Brown will be a very good complementary piece to McCoy moving forward. Defensively, first-round defensive lineman Fletcher Cox tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks, picking up at least one sack in four of the final six games. Second-round linebacker Mychal Kendricks was third on the team in tackles (75) and passes defensed (10) and should be a natural fit in a 3-4 defense.

Coaching/front office changes: Andy Reid was fired after the Eagles missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year, posting a 4-12 record, the franchise's worst mark since a 3-13 effort under Ray Rhodes in 1998, the year before Reid was hired. After initially turning down the Eagles, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly changed his mind and signed a five-year contract worth a reported $32.5 million. Kelly continued the Philadelphia-Cleveland pipeline, hiring former Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur to be his offensive coordinator and former Browns linebackers coach Bill Davis is the defensive coordinator, which indicates that the Eagles will be moving to a 3-4 defense. The Eagles beefed up their front office by naming Tom Gamble their vice president of player personnel.

Estimated 2013 cap space: $24.672 million

Roger Goodell earned $30 million in 2011 (USA Today Sports Images)

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell nearly tripled his compensation in 2011, earning just under $30 million during that calendar year, according to a report from Daniel Kaplan in the SportsBusiness Daily.

Goodell earned $11.6 million in overall compensation during 2010, according to Kaplan. In 2011, Goodell's compensation increased to $29.49 million, including $22.3 million in the form of a bonus tied to his performance. A performance-based compensation structure will be followed moving forward in Goodell's five-year contract extension, which was signed in January of 2012 and calls for Goodell to earn around $20 million per season.

In 2011, a critical season for NFL business, Goodell negotiatied a 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association and lucrative new television contracts. While some argue that Goodell doesn't warrant such a large salary, it is important to remember that he oversees the most popular sports league in the world that has generates over $9 billion in annual revenue.

Titus Young is running out of options. (Getty Images)

Titus Young's time in the NFL is rapidly going down the tubes. Nine days after the St. Louis Rams claimed the wide receiver on waivers following his release from the Lions, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, who has taken risks on a lot of players with character questions throughout his long coaching career, said Young will not be a part of the team. The Rams will give Young his release.

“We felt like by claiming Titus, we would have the opportunity to spend a good deal of time with him,” Fisher said during a Friday media conference. “We spent four or five days with him, and as an organization -- at the end of the interview process, you might call it -- we felt it was best to go in another direction.

“We felt Titus is better suited for another organization.”

It's anybody's guess what that organization might be. Young was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 2011 draft out of Boise State, but after two seasons of headaches that didn't match his production, he was cut on Feb. 4. Young had, among other things: Sucker-punched teammate Louis Delmas in practice, lined up in the wrong place during a game to protest his lack of playing time, been sent home on three different occasions for insubordination, and let loose some bizarre stuff on Twitter that showed, above all else, that he's in this for himself and nobody else.

[Also: Roger Goodell made nearly $30 million in 2011]

Oh, and there was the time he claimed to be better than Calvin Johnson. Even his own high school coach couldn't get behind that one.