Kentucky Cornerback Maxwell Hairston Has Risen Into Consideration To Be An Early Draft Choice

Story by

Story by
Kentucky Cornerback Maxwell Hairston Has Risen Into Consideration To Be An Early Draft Choice

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Mon, Apr 21, 2025 ·

3 min read

Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) intercepts a pass intended for Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III. © Matt Stone/Louisville Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Coming out of West Bloomfield High School in Michigan, Hairston played in only one game as a freshman in 2022 for Kentucky. The following year, he'd be a fixture in the Wildcats secondary.

In 2023, Hairston led the SEC with 5 interceptions. He returned two for touchdowns while leading the conference with 131 return yards.

A shoulder injury limited Hairston to only seven games last season. He still had an interception, returning it for a score. Hairston earned back-to-back 2nd Team All-SEC recognition with 6 interceptions and 12 passes broken up.

American team defensive back Maxwell Hairston of Kentucky (11) at the line during Senior Bowl practice. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Hairston has vaulted up draft boards because of his ball skills and explosive athletic traits. His NFL Combine numbers of 4.28 in the 40, 1.50 10-yard split, and 39.5 inch vertical were all among the top performances.

With a slight build at 5'11" but 183-Lbs., Hairston could have some troubles against bigger receivers, especially in press coverage. He also isn't much of a factor in run support and struggles with his tackling in the open field.

Hairston is a gambler who will take chances. While this leads to big plays, it has also made him vulnerable to play-fakes and double moves. In man coverage, he's been guilty of declaring too early, especially when trying to anticipate an outside route. He also has trouble at times locating deep throws in man coverage.

A natural playmaker, Hairston has elite ball skills. In off-ball or zone coverage, he'll read and anticipate routes like a seasoned pro and has a terrific jump on the throw. His speed allows him to cover a lot of ground, with a closing burst to the ball that creates momentum changing plays.

Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) intercepts a pass against the Ohio Bobcats. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Hairston has the speed to stay with any wideout and the agility to mirror their breaks. He also plays with a competitive streak and leverage in man coverage that somewhat makes up for his build.

Maxwell Hairston had been projected as a mid-Day 2 selection. However, he's rocketed up draft boards recently and should get first-round consideration. Hairston's athleticism, coverage ability, and ball skills could make him an instant factor in nickel packages, if not an immediate starter.

Hairston would be a reach for the Saints at ninth overall, but would certainly fill an immediate need. If he falls to the second round, New Orleans would be wise to heavily consider him to bolster their pass defense.

Maxwell Hairston , CB (Kentucky)