Every NFL secondary needs a physical, instinctive cornerback who thrives in press coverage, and Maxwell Hairston is exactly that. The Kentucky standout has all the tools to be a high-level NFL defender, yet he isn’t getting the respect he deserves in draft discussions.
Hairston’s length and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing receivers. He excels at jamming opponents at the line of scrimmage, throwing off their timing and disrupting routes. His ball skills are another plus—he has six career interceptions, many of them coming off deflections that highlight his awareness and quick reaction time.
Hairston’s ability to play both man and zone coverage makes him an easy fit in a variety of defensive schemes. His vision allows him to diagnose plays quickly, and he possesses the short-area quickness to mirror receivers in and out of breaks.
Despite being projected as a third- or fourth-round pick, Hairston’s film suggests he’s worth a second-round selection. He has all the makings of a starting-caliber cornerback and could even sneak into the first round if a team values his skill set highly enough.
