It happens every year: As the NFL Draft draws closer, teams begin digging for dirt on prospects, either to confirm their suspicions about them or to get them to drop into their laps on draft night.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey may be the latest prospect targeted by this tradition. Whether or not it’s fair remains subjective.
The explosive edge defender is considered a candidate to be selected by the New York Jets with the second overall pick. Ohio State edge defender Arvell Reese remains the clear-cut favorite, but Bailey is giving Reese a run for his money, according to multiple insiders.
Could the latest report about Bailey thwart his push to usurp Reese in the No. 2 slot?
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Bailey’s work ethic has been called into question by scouts.
“NFL scouts say they want ‘more consistent energy levels’ from him behind the scenes,” wrote Brugler, while highlighting the weaknesses in Bailey’s scouting report.
Brugler’s report sparked conversation on social media about concerning incidents from Bailey’s past, including a 2024 ejection for stomping on the head of an opponent while playing for Stanford.
However, Brugler also reported that scouts seem to think Bailey is progressing in this area.
“NFL scouts say his practice habits have matured and he is learning to love the process,” wrote Brugler of the 22-year-old.
With precisely two weeks until the draft, expect more reports like this to begin surfacing about a plethora of prospects. Teams could be leaking information for all sorts of ulterior motives, whether to discourage a rival from drafting the player or to get him to tumble down the board into their own arms.
Time will tell whether Bailey’s apparent work ethic concerns will affect his stock. If he doesn’t get drafted second overall by the Jets, though, it probably won’t be for this reason. Reese simply appears to be the better all-around prospect.
