Green Bay, WI (WGR Sports Radio 550) - In a thrilling moment for fans and players alike, the Buffalo Bills have selected cornerback Maxwell Hairston out of Kentucky with the 30th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 182 pounds, Hairston showcased a remarkable performance during his final year at Kentucky, recording 19 total tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, one interception, and even a touchdown. His college career was marked by two solid years as a starter, during which he played in 32 games and started 20.
Despite being considered undersized for a cornerback, Hairston brings an impressive speed that the Bills desperately need in their secondary. His blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash time ties him for the fastest among this year’s draft prospects. Additionally, Hairston tied the Kentucky record for the most career interceptions returned for a touchdown with three, a testament to his playmaking ability.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein commented on Hairston’s potential, stating, "Slender outside cornerback with long arms and impressive ball production. Hairston is capable of playing all forms of zone and man coverage. He anticipates well with his eyes forward and has the burst to take the ball away, posting six interceptions (three returned for TDs) over his last 20 games. He stays connected in man coverage with good agility and fluidity but needs to do a better job of locating the football downfield. He will struggle to contest big wideouts, and his run support will turn off some teams. Hairston has the athleticism and on-ball talent to become a starter, but he needs to prove he can hold up to the rigors and physicality of the NFL game."
On April 24, 2025, Hairston made his presence felt in the NFL Draft's green room in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he played the role of the Hype Man for over three hours. With a big smile, he hugged fellow draftees as they made their way to the stage. Finally, after 11 p.m., it was Hairston’s turn to strut toward potential stardom as the Bills called his name with the No. 30 overall pick. He expressed his gratitude in a post-draft interview, saying, "I can't believe what's going on right now. I'm so thankful. I'm so blessed, man. I'm so happy to hear my name called. It's truly a dream come true. Let's go, Buffalo!"
When asked what he brings to the Bills, Hairston quipped, "Somebody that is going to get Josh Allen the ball back." This confidence is well-founded, as he played three seasons at Kentucky, where he recorded five interceptions during his sophomore season, with two of those returned for touchdowns in a single game. Although his junior year was cut short due to a shoulder injury, he impressed scouts at the NFL Combine, where he not only posted a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash but also achieved a vertical jump of 39½ inches.
Hairston’s rise to prominence is remarkable, considering he was once the 66th-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2021 and had limited offers from Mid-American Conference schools early in his recruitment. Now, he is regarded by many as one of the best defensive backs available in the draft. Bills general manager Brandon Beane acknowledged this, stating, "If he had (size), too ... he probably wouldn't have been there at (30), he'd probably have been up there in the top five or 10."
Hairston had one interception in 2024, which he returned for a touchdown, and he also forced two fumbles during his final season at Kentucky. Remarkably, he stayed with the Wildcats for three years, resisting the temptations of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities, ultimately choosing Kentucky over schools like Purdue, Minnesota, Kansas, and Virginia Tech.
In selecting Hairston, the Bills addressed a significant need in their roster after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game last season. Beane noted that Hairston’s speed would complement the existing talent in the secondary, emphasizing that the Bills had been looking to add velocity to their defensive backfield. "He’ll add obviously speed to our DB room, and we think he’ll pair well with what we already have," Beane said.
For context, Hairston’s 40-yard dash time of 4.28 seconds is notably faster than the Bills’ previous first-round cornerbacks, with Kaiir Elam running a 4.39 seconds in 2022 and Tre’Davious White clocking in at 4.47 seconds in 2017. Beane remarked, "Some guys run fast, like they run track fast, but they don’t play fast. I don’t know if I could say 4.26, but you saw 4.3 on film as a player. And you’re always looking to add speed as long as the football player matches it."
Hairston, nicknamed "Mad Max," displayed his charisma during the draft broadcast, wearing a striking silver and blue suit jacket lined with family photos. After being selected by the Bills, he gave an enthusiastic interview to NFL Network, showcasing his infectious personality. Beane noted, "If you guys were watching the TV, you could see his infectious personality and smile. He’s a good kid."
The Bills’ decision to draft Hairston marks a continuation of their strategy to recruit players from Kentucky, following the selection of running back Ray Davis in the fourth round of the previous draft. Beane mentioned that they sought insights about Hairston from Davis, who spoke highly of his former teammate.
In summary, Maxwell Hairston’s selection by the Buffalo Bills not only fills a critical need in their defensive lineup but also adds a dynamic player with the potential to make an immediate impact. With the NFL Draft continuing through Saturday, fans are eager to see how Hairston will contribute to a team that has made the playoffs for six consecutive years and is determined to make another deep run this season.
