The Surprising Results of Justin Herbert’s S2 Cognition Test: What It Means for the NFL
When Justin Herbert entered the NFL draft in 2020, many teams questioned his ability to be a successful quarterback. Despite being one of the most talented players in college football, Herbert didn’t have the “it” factor that many scouts and analysts look for in a quarterback. Fortunately for Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers saw something in him that others didn’t, and they selected him with the sixth overall pick.
Fast forward to Herbert’s rookie season, and he surprised everyone with his outstanding performances on the field. He threw for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns, setting numerous records and earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. But what many people didn’t know was that Herbert’s success was partially due to a cognitive test he took during the pre-draft process.
What Is the S2 Cognition Test?
The S2 Cognition Test is a tool developed by SyncThink, a neurotechnology company that aims to improve brain health and performance. The test measures an athlete’s cognitive abilities by tracking their eye movements and identifying any impairments that may affect their on-field performance.
During the test, athletes watch a series of videos designed to test their peripheral vision, reaction time, and attentional control. The videos are designed to mimic real-life scenarios, like a quarterback scanning the field for open receivers or a running back searching for a hole in the defense. The results of the test are used to identify any cognitive impairments and develop a personalized training plan to improve the athlete’s cognitive abilities.
Herbert’s Surprising Results
When Herbert took the S2 Cognition Test during the pre-draft process, he was met with surprising results. According to SyncThink, Herbert had one of the best cognitive profiles they had ever seen in a quarterback. He scored in the 90th percentile in visual processing, meaning he could quickly and accurately scan the field for open receivers. He also scored in the 80th percentile in attentional control, meaning he could maintain focus and avoid distractions on the field.
These results were surprising because, as previously mentioned, Herbert was not regarded as a top quarterback prospect. Many scouts believed that he lacked the “it” factor that sets great quarterbacks apart from good ones. But the S2 Cognition Test revealed that Herbert had the cognitive abilities to be a successful NFL quarterback, and the Chargers were smart enough to take notice.
The Future of the S2 Cognition Test in the NFL
The S2 Cognition Test is still a relatively new tool in the NFL, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way teams evaluate quarterback prospects. Traditionally, teams have relied on arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism when evaluating quarterbacks. But the S2 Cognition Test provides a new way to measure a quarterback’s cognitive abilities, which are just as important for success on the field.
SyncThink is already working with numerous NFL teams to implement the S2 Cognition Test into their pre-draft process. The hope is that the test will help teams identify hidden gems like Justin Herbert, who may not have been considered top prospects based on traditional scouting methods.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, Justin Herbert’s success in the NFL was partially due to the surprising results of the S2 Cognition Test. The test revealed that Herbert had exceptional cognitive abilities, which helped him excel on the field. The S2 Cognition Test has the potential to revolutionize the way NFL teams evaluate quarterback prospects, and we can expect to see more teams implementing it in their pre-draft process in the coming years.
