If there was a way to measure confidence at the NFL Scouting Combine, Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston might have led his entire draft class in Indianapolis.
Hairston was all smiles as he addressed the media last week while rocking a massive diamond chain that said, "Mad Max." He described himself as "the locksmith," adding that "When I'm on an island by myself, it's either me or you, and I like me every time."
And as if that wasn't enough, he said reporters should "get your popcorn ready" because he would put on a show during his workout. Give credit where it's due, because Hairston lived up to his promise by running a 4.28 -- the fastest 40 time at the combine -- and had top five metrics in the vertical (39.5 inches) and broad jumps (10-foot-9).
Teams will like Hairston's confidence as they go through their pre-draft evaluations; they'll love that he's a smooth, athletic, productive SEC cornerback even more. His 40 time could make him shoot up draft boards in April, but for now, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Washington Commanders, who could use the help in coverage, taking Hairston with the 29th overall pick.
"Hairston has terrific awareness in coverage, and his recognition skills and speed allow him to get to the ball before it arrives," **Kiper wrote.**
Although outlets like Pro Football Focus don't rank Hairston among the draft's top defenders, Hairston did enough while with the Wildcats to show that he could become a starting NFL cornerback at some point in his future. A two-year starter with 20 starts in 32 appearances, Hairston was voted Second Team All-SEC twice for recording 85 tackles and three forced fumbles in that span.
Hairston is a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds but makes up for that with agility and aggressiveness in man coverage, which helped him record six interceptions and three defensive touchdowns over the last two seasons. The latter number tied the school record for the most in program history.
Hairston comes from an athletic family. One of his cousins, Taiwan Jones, played linebacker for the New York Jets, while another played professional basketball. That pedigree was obvious during his combine workout. He had some of the most fluid movements during the box and defensive back drills, showing an ability to flip his hips with ease while tracking the ball.
Hairston's performance earned him a 9.71 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10, which was of course highlighted by the fasted 40 time in his draft class. He also had the highest top speed of anyone at the combine, hitting 24.2 mph.
That kind of skill set would be valuable for the Commanders, who did allow the third-fewest passing yards but also need depth on the backend of their defense.
"This offseason should be all about maximizing the Jayden Daniels rookie contract window and building a winner," Kiper wrote. "It might mean adding a run stopper. But it should definitely mean shoring up the secondary."
Three of the Commanders' cornerbacks from 2024 -- Noah Igbinoghene, Michael Davis and Benjamin St-Juste -- are all set to hit free agency next week. They have pieces to build on with the likes of Mike Sainristil and Marshon Lattimore but also need more depth at the position, particularly when it comes to keeping up with some of the league's top receivers.
While his frame might make it difficult for him to match up against bigger wide receivers at the NFL level, Hairston's other traits could help him succeed.
"Hairston is capable of playing all forms of zone and man coverage," **wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.** "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."
And the skills that truly allow him to shine -- his vision, leverage and change of direction -- could lead to him being an important piece to a secondary.
"He's feisty, combative, fearless, and agile -- all qualities that can allow him to play from depth and process plays unfolding before pressing the issue in space and on the edge," **wrote the The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs.**
