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Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston 2025 NFL Draft Profile

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Dec 27, 2024 6:32 PM ET

Maxwell Hairston, cornerback

6-1, 186 pounds

Kentucky

Maxwell Hairston career statistics

YEAR	TOTAL TACKLES	INTERCEPTIONS	PASS BREAKUPS
2022	2	0	0
2023	68	5	6
2024	19	1	4
CAREER TOTALS	89	6	10

Pros:

Recovery speed
Hairston is one of the more patient cornerbacks in the 2025 class. A big reason for that is the recovery speed that he brings to the table. He is comfortable playing in trail, and has the long speed to catch up to almost anyone down the field.
Man coverage upside
Kentucky does a good job mixing up both man and zone coverage, but Hairston definitely thrives most in the former. His combination of length, recovery speed, and change of direction skills allows him to mirror most types of wide receivers. That should project favorably to either a press or off man system.
Ball skills
Hairston has some of the better ball skills in the class. He has several reps where he is able to locate the football, and adjust his body accordingly. That has led to more than one highlight reel interception in his career.

Might not be a more underrated CB in the 2025 NFL Draft than Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston (#1). Really smooth from off coverage with recovery. Huge fan. pic.twitter.com/ja2QL2NJAq
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) December 5, 2024

Cons:

False steps in off man
When Hairston is asked to play off man coverage, he does have some false steps out of his pedal at times. This hurts his ability to cleanly transition, especially when turning and run. His recovery speed allows it not to hurt him, but will be more difficult on the next level.
Slight frame
As a third year player, Hairston is still young and will need to continue filling out his frame. That will help to improve his play strength, both in coverage and as a tackler. The power profile is there, but will only continue to develop with added mass to his frame.
Inconsistent instincts in zone
There are moments of ability in zone coverage, but’s it’s very up and down right now for Hairston. His eyes can at times get him out of position, and others slow to react. Staying true to assignment and trusting his eyes discipline will be important to his development.

Player Evaluation:

Due to the injury this year, Hairston has become one of the more undervalued cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class. From a pure man coverage perspective, he has one of the highest upsides in the class. His combination of length, ball skills, and recovery speed should allow him to matchup against a variety of play styles and body types.

The major drawback is going to be physical development. The tools are obviously there, but Hairston will have to continue to fill out accordingly. The injury in 2024 didn’t set him back developmentally, but that should give an NFL team a tremendous value come April. Hairston is not forgotten in NFL circles.

Player Comparison:

Eric Stokes (Green Bay Packers)

A man centric cover cornerback with upside yet to tap into. Hairston has starter upside, and should develop into a playmaker on the back end on the next level. There aren't many more gifted cover men in the class.