NFL Draft prospects told to refuse controversial test after CJ Stroud situation
Some NFL Draft prospects have been advised to avoid taking the S2 cognitive test, which is used by NFL teams to measure a player's ability to handle pressure and other key metrics.
The examination, which has replaced the Wonderlic test since 2016, determines how quickly players can think and react, all from a gaming laptop. It looks as though the S2 test will be back for the 2024 NFL Draft, with the company in Nashville that sets the test currently in agreement with half of all NFL teams.
Last year, CJ Stroud reportedly scored 18 out of 100 on a similar test before the Draft, where he was eventually a No. 2 pick for the Houston Texans. Despite this, he had an amazing first season, even winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making the playoffs in his first year in Texas.
The 22-year-old quarterback star threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in a standout season, with his efforts having made some observers question the effectiveness of the tests. The young player also doubts if these examinations can really show what players can do in a real game.
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Before last year's draft, he said: "A lot of people haven't played the sport, and I mean critics are gonna critique. 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," he added. He outlined his preference for showing what he can do on the field rather than in tests, as he added: "If you turn on the tape, you can see, you can answer the questions."
The Athletic now reports that the Athletes First agency is telling its players not to take the controversial test when they are being checked out before the draft. They say that three bosses from two different teams have said an email was sent around to NFL teams about this.
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Stroud of the Houston Texans was named Offensive Rookie of the year after a strong breakout season in 2023 (Getty)The alleged email is said to have read: "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.).
"We understand that many of your teams use these tests or protocols as part of your prospect evaluation process, however our recent experience with these exams has been less than positive. Specifically, the fact that certain results and performance were leaked publicly last year demonstrates that there truly is no confidentiality with these tests.
"It is not right for a player's intelligence, aptitude or mental processing to be subject to public discussion and ridicule - no other job interview carries the same scrutiny.
"While our clients are happy to participate in the standard pre-draft physical activities and any football-based interviews or film review, we will not subject them to the wide variety of psychological tests."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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