Sports Agency Says No to Cognitive Tests for NFL Draft Prospects
Athletes First, one of the biggest sports agencies in the business, has directed its NFL Draft prospects to not participate in any cognitive testing this year as a part of any pre-draft evaluations for teams, according to Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic.
An email from the agency was sent to all 32 NFL teams to inform them of the decision (via Kahler):
“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.),” the email read.
“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,” the email continued. 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.”
"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.”
NFL teams have used different tests throughout the years to try and determine a player's cognitive abilities, but it's hard to quantify any possible pattern of success.
In fact, it's been quite the opposite, with the test garnering more negative attention than showing any empirical measurable value.
Last year's situation surrounding then-Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud might have been the main catalyst for the decision, as Kahler points out:
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is not mentioned by name, but this new directive is a clear response to Stroud’s experience last spring. In April, veteran NFL writer Bob McGinn, a former contributor to The Athletic, reported Stroud scored an 18 out of a possible 100 on the S2 test, one of several cognitive tests that NFL teams request players take in the pre-draft process.
Stroud, who is represented by David Mulugheta of Athletes First, was eventually picked No. 2 before winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and leading Houston to the playoffs.
It will be interesting to see if other major agencies follow suit, and how teams across the league respond to the news.
