Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane made a calculated move in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With several defensive needs to address, Beane let the draft board guide the team to the best available talent at those positions.
The first round started predictably with several defensive linemen being selected, meaning there would be an abundance of talented cornerbacks for the Bills to choose from. While many fans hoped Beane would draft cornerback Will Johnson, rumors about a knee issue caused his stock to fall, and he wasn’t selected by Buffalo.
Instead of trading down to potentially pick up quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Bills stood pat and chose top talented cornerback from the University of Kentucky. He now joins the team with the opportunity to learn from veteran Tre’Davious White.
His speed makes him a promising prospect. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, which should allow him to make fast, game-changing plays. As a man-to-man cover corner, Hairston excelled at forcing turnovers, recording six interceptions and three pick-sixes during his two seasons as a starter for Kentucky. While he’s known as a “island corner,” he’s also shown strong skills in zone coverage.
Though some question his size and ability to support the run, these concerns may be addressed once Hairston adapts to an NFL strength and conditioning program.
Buffalo needed a dynamic playmaker at cornerback, and Hairston is just that. The good news is he won’t be rushed into a starting role. With Tre’Davious White’s injury history, Hairston will have the time to earn his spot on the depth chart, whether as CB2 or another role.
Interestingly, I had Hairston pegged for Buffalo at pick 30 in the 2025 SB Nation NFL mock draft. At the time, only two cornerbacks were drafted ahead of him, and with so many defensive linemen going early, it wasn’t the right time for Buffalo to select a DT or EDGE rusher.
I felt confident in the pick then, and I still do now. Hairston’s size isn’t a major issue given his college performance. Plus, with Buffalo continuing to use zone coverage, Hairston will be better equipped to handle larger receivers.
In my earlier analysis, I said:
“The Bills have several needs to address via the draft, but outside corner remains the utmost concern, just above defensive tackle. Given how the board developed and the amount of DTs already selected before 30, landing Maxwell Hairston at the end of Round 1 feels like a major win. Hairston should immediately push to start at CB2 with Buffalo, thanks to his explosive speed and ability to cover both man and zone. Though perhaps a bit undersized, Hairston’s long arms and knack for creating turnovers will be assets in the NFL.”
In the long run, Hairston could be one of Beane’s best picks, provided he’s given the time to grow. With his strong character and personality, Maxwell Hairston looks like a great fit for the Bills.
Welcome to Bills Mafia, Max!