Two weeks ago, the Athletic's Matt Barrows wrote a detailed report on quarterback Brock Purdy's pre-NFL Draft cognitive test, which the rookie aced, scoring in the 95th percentile on the test that measures how quickly and accurately athletes process information.
The score was especially impressive, as Barrows illustrated data detailing that high scores on the S2 Cognition test correlated to better statistical results, such as a higher passer rating.
Of course, the reveal of the test information comes on the heels of Purdy's impressive rookie season, where he broke several NFL records, both regular and postseason, helping make more sense about why the 49ers invested a draft pick on the Iowa State product.
But, what did the S2 cognition test reveal about San Francisco's other young, intelligent quarterback Trey Lance?
Initially, Brandon Ally, the co-founder of S2 Cognition, who administers the mind test, revealed to Barrows that Lance scored well, but not in the Purdy tier.
"He's not in the Brock Purdy range but he didn't score poorly," Ally said, via Barrows.
However, with a lack of clarity surrounding the comments on Lance's score, Ally joined the "Clutch Gene Sports" podcast with host Marco Martinez to discuss the true difference between San Francisco's young quarterbacks, which was closer than initially inferred.
"Yeah, I would say that Trey was closer to Brock than the 80th percentile," Ally said, via Martinez. "From a cognitive perspective, I'll be honest with you, San Francisco has two really good quarterbacks to work with there."
With Purdy scoring in the 95th percentile, Ally's comments suggest that Lance scored around the 88th-95th percentile, with sources revealing to Martinez that the 2021 third overall pick actually scored within the 91st-93rd percentile on the cognition test.
Of course, Ally acknowledged that cognitive skills are only one part of the puzzle for being a quarterback, but nonetheless an important factor, with statistics backing up the results of the S2 tests that NFL teams are becoming accustomed to.
"I don't know that it's an either-or kind of thing. Both of those guys, from a cognitive perspective, again, there's so much that goes into success, right? You got to have the physical skills, the arm talent, you've got to have the psychological makeup. Some of these kids don't like contact, and I'm not saying one over the other there, there's just so many things that go into being a successful NFL quarterback that aren't cognitive-related."
What is Ally's suggestion for the 49ers and their quarterback situation from an outsider's perspective? Providing Lance with the requisite reps to give him a chance to succeed, as no reps are "wasted reps".
"His S2 report would suggest that he needs the reps and he will succeed," Ally said to Martinez. "Even at high school football, it's hard to get reps that are 'wasted reps'".
You can watch Ally's entire interview with Martinez down below.
Photo: Recovering 49ers QB Brock Purdy spotted by fan
By David Bonilla
Mar 26
Brock Purdy can begin throwing again sometime in June. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback is expected to be ready to hit the field—practice or in-game—sometime in September.
Purdy is recovering from surgery to repair the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, an injury sustained in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He hasn't been seen since the surgery, with his last public appearance taking place In Arizona, during the week leading to the Super Bowl.
One fan spotted Purdy, though, getting a photo with the 49ers quarterback (h/t TheSFNiners). As expected, Purdy is wearing a massive brace on his throwing arm,
49ers' QB1? John Lynch calls Brock Purdy the "leader in the clubhouse"
By David Bonilla
Mar 27
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, speaking with reporters at the owners' meetings in Arizona on Monday morning, made it clear where Brock Purdy sits in the team's quarterback depth chart. Purdy, recovering from surgery on March 10, has earned the right to the top spot.
"I think Brock has earned the right with the way he played that he's probably the leader in the clubhouse at that," Lynch said. "I'll let [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] make those kind of decisions, but I know, when we talk, I think Brock's probably earned that right to be the guy. If we were to line up, he'd probably take that first snap."
Of course, Lynch clarified that all quarterbacks—Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold—will compete for the 49ers' starting job. However,
The "Leader in the Clubhouse," 49ers QB Brock Purdy
By Wayne P. Brown
9 hrs
49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to the 49ers beat writers at the NFL owners' meetings yesterday. Lynch discussed Purdy's health and whether he would be the starter when ready to play. He stated, "I think Brock has earned the right with the way he played that he's probably the leader in the clubhouse. Brock's earned that right to be that guy if we line up to take that first snap."
Not many would argue that Purdy shouldn't be the starting quarterback after his phenomenal season during his rookie year. Purdy finished the season with 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, four interceptions, and completed 67.1 percent of his passes.
He was even more impressive in the playoffs with 569 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and completed 65.1 percent of his passes.
Kyle Shanahan, 49ers will have better idea of Brock Purdy recovery timeline in June
By David Bonilla
8 hrs
It could be six months. It could be eight months. The San Francisco 49ers don't have a clear picture right now regarding quarterback Brock Purdy's recovery timeline. They will have a better idea in June, though. That's when the second-year quarterback will begin throwing again and ramping up his workload for the remaining portion of his rehabilitation.
Purdy underwent surgery to repair the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, an injury suffered on January 29 in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"He won't be able to do anything on the field for—who knows?" head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Tuesday morning from the NFL owners'
