Leading player agency Athletes First has instructed its NFL Draft prospects to abstain from participating in any cognitive or psychological testing during the pre-draft evaluation process this year. In an email sent to NFL teams last month, Athletes First informed them of their decision, which was confirmed by executives from two different clubs.

The directive comes as a response to an incident involving Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud last spring. Veteran NFL writer Bob McGinn reported that Stroud had scored a mere 18 out of 100 on the S2 test, one of the cognitive tests required by NFL teams during the pre-draft process. Stroud, represented by David Mulugheta of Athletes First, went on to be selected as the No. 2 pick and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading Houston to the playoffs.

The email from Athletes First stated, "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." The agency expressed concerns about the lack of confidentiality surrounding these tests, citing leaked results and public discussions that subject players to ridicule.

While Athletes First acknowledged that many teams use cognitive and psychological tests as part of their evaluation process, they emphasized their clients' willingness to participate in standard physical activities, football-based interviews, and film reviews. However, they would not subject their clients to the wide range of psychological tests currently employed.

As of now, Athletes First agents have not responded to The Athletic's request for comment. The S2 cognition test, used by NFL teams since 2016 and currently contracted by half of the league's teams, measures processing speed, reaction time, and the ability to process information and respond under pressure. It does not measure intelligence but rather cognitive abilities pertinent to certain positions, particularly quarterbacks.

The Athletic reached out to agents from other major player agencies, and none have issued a similar blanket ban like Athletes First. The agency represents 29 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class, including notable players such as Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner, LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas, Oregon tackle Taliese Fuaga, Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean. Interestingly, Athletes First does not represent a top quarterback in this year's draft class.

The decision by Athletes First raises questions about the role of cognitive testing in the pre-draft evaluation process and the level of confidentiality afforded to the prospects. It remains to be seen how NFL teams will react to this directive and if it will lead to any changes in the future.