NFL Agency Athletes First Advises Draft Prospects to Skip Cognitive Tests

The move follows the public leak of C.J. Stroud's low S2 test scores, sparking debate over the privacy and relevance of such evaluations.

Athletes First, a prominent sports agency, directs its NFL Draft prospects to avoid cognitive tests, citing negative experiences and confidentiality concerns.
The decision is a response to the leak of Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud's low S2 cognition test scores before the 2023 NFL Draft.
Despite scoring in the 18th percentile on the S2 test, Stroud had a historic rookie season, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading the Texans to the playoffs.
The S2 test, which measures cognitive ability and processing speed, has been used by NFL teams since 2016 but faces scrutiny over its impact and confidentiality.
Other agencies have not issued similar directives, and the S2 test's future in the NFL Draft process remains uncertain.