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Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud just finished one of the top rookie seasons in NFL history.
But just one year ago, fans and media members were heavily questioning whether Stroud had what it takes to make it in the league after he reportedly bombed the S2 cognition test.
Now at least one agency is advising its players against taking the test altogether ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic reports that the Athletes First agency has told its players not to take the test.
“Athletes First is directing its NFL Draft prospects not to participate in any cognitive testing in the pre-draft evaluation process this year,” Kahler writes. “One of the leading agencies representing NFL players, Athletes First emailed NFL teams last month to notify them of the decision.”
But it’s not just the S2 cognition test. Athletes First has advised its players to avoid any and all cognition testing ahead of the draft.
“After much internal discussion, the agents at Athletes First have directed our draft prospects to respectfully pass on participating in any cognitive or psychological testing during the pre-draft process (e.g. AIQ, S2, etc.),” Kahler reports that the email read.
CJ Stroud Had Fantastic Rookie Season Despite Test Scores
Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to winning the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He also threw just five interceptions.
“A lot of people haven’t played the sport, and I mean critics are gonna critique,” Stroud said of his test scores prior to the 2023 NFL Draft. “For me I know the film speaks for itself. Everything that I’ve done in college, I’ve been very consistent. I think I’ve been one of the most consistent players in college football for the last two years. If you turn on the tape, you can see, you can answer the questions.”
Stroud scored an 18 on the S2 test. For comparison, Bryce Young scored a 98, Will Levis a 93, and Anthony Richardson a 79.
Make of that what you well. Athletes First certainly has.