Speedy cornerback Maxwell Hairston tells NFL to 'get your popcorn ready'
The Michigan native was a two-year starter at Kentucky, and now he’s a popular mock draft selection for the Buffalo Bills at pick No. 30.
Wearing a silver chain that read “MAD MAX,” Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston walked up breezily to the podium at the NFL scouting combine at Indianapolis in February.
He took a look around, admiring the view, called the moment “cool,” and then waited for the first question.
“Who’s gonna break the ice?” he asked with a grin.
Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston reads a play Sept. 2, 2023, against Ball State in Lexington, Ky.
Hairston led the Southeastern Conference with five interceptions that season. Associated Press
Hairston, you see, is more than ready to get going.
The Michigan native was a two-year starter at Kentucky, and now he’s a popular mock draft selection for the Buffalo Bills at pick No. 30. The Bills are in need of a cornerback to start opposite Christian Benford, and Hairston has a number of the traits they are looking for in a rookie corner.
Hairston, listed at 5-foot-8 and 183 pounds, turned heads at the combine, running a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash – the fastest time this year.
On the field, the fourth-year junior is speedy as well. Hairston credits his preparation in part for that.
“Watching extra film, it gives me a chance to when I see certain stuff I know, I can eliminate certain routes,” Hairston said at the combine. “I can dissect the receivers, see how they act when they know they’re getting the ball – and when they got a block, seeing who the quarterback’s favorite target is, seeing their favorite positions. Stuff like that just allows me to play faster.”
Hairston lit up each time he was asked about meeting with a different NFL team – he posted via Instagram Stories that he was visiting the Bills in Orchard Park this week – because those meetings give him a chance to show off his football knowledge.
“Talking ball, that’s my space,” Hairston said. “That’s what I do best.”
He’s not just talk, though. A two-time All-Southeastern Conference second-teamer, Hairston says he chose to play in the SEC since it’s the “baby NFL.” It gave him a chance to compete against pro-level wide receivers, and he relished those opportunities.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hairston did not give up a touchdown in coverage in 2024.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is among those projecting Hairston to the Bills in his latest mock draft. (The Buffalo News’ Jay Skurski has the Bills taking Hairston in his latest as well.)
“I think he’s got a chance to be a good addition to the Buffalo Bills,” Kiper said. “Any team in the late first – Minnesota could be in that mix; Green Bay would be another possibility.
“I like him. He ran great,” Kiper continued. “He wasn’t healthy all year. But two years ago, when he was, he was intercepting passes. He just has an attitude and an approach that I really like in terms of a corner. A mistake doesn’t bother him. He shakes it off.”
Kiper said he sees Hairston as a late first-rounder, which, of course, puts him in the Bills’ neighborhood. They hold the No. 30 pick in the NFL draft, which gets underway April 24 in Green Bay, Wis.
“A corner with his skill set out of Kentucky, they develop players well, they coach them well out of Kentucky,” Kiper said.
Hairston is lean and could wrap up better when it comes to tackling, and tackling has always been a stated priority for Bills defensive backs since Sean McDermott took over in 2017.
Hairston also dealt with a shoulder injury last season that sidelined him for five games. Hairston called the injury “a freak accident” rather than something that should raise a durability concern.
In the seven games he did start last season, Hairston logged 19 tackles, one interception (which he returned 25 yards for a touchdown), four passes defensed and two forced fumbles. His playmaking skills allow him to ooze confidence.
“When I’m on an island by myself, it’s either me or you, and I like me every time,” Hairston said.
It’s the type of attitude a cornerback can use, especially when getting ready for the big leagues. But when Hairston does have a miscue, he’s quick to reset.
“With Maxwell Hairston, I just love his competitive spirit,” Kiper said. “Nothing bothers the kid, and that’s what you’ve got to have at corner, a short memory. He does. He’s got great skill, too.”
The competitive spirit shows up in his attire, his “MAD MAX” chain an example.
“I got this made after my junior year in the SEC,” he said, referring to his third college season in 2023. “It’s kind of my reward for having five interceptions.”
Those five interceptions led the SEC in ‘23. Now, Hairston is ready to take his talents from the baby NFL to the real thing.
“I’m gonna put on the show for y’all,” Hairston said. “Get your popcorn ready. You’re gonna have to see. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
