The Philadelphia Eagles overhauled their secondary last offseason by selecting consecutive cornerbacks in the first and second rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, with veteran defensive backs Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers departing in free agency, Philadelphia finds itself in need of reinforcements yet again. To that end, the Eagles have been thoroughly evaluating top prospects, including Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston, who recently visited the team's facilities as part of their Top 30 visit list.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons also hosted Hairston at their headquarters, underscoring the growing buzz around the dynamic cornerback as the 2025 NFL Draft nears.
Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston visited the #Falcons and #Eagles. #NFLDraft#30visitspic.twitter.com/Ns94kXj362
— Jaguars Now (@JaguarsNow95) March 20, 2025
Eagles Zeroing in on Hairston as a Potential First-Round Target
A three-year playmaker at Kentucky, Hairston appeared in 32 games and built a reputation as a turnover machine. He snagged six interceptions-returning three for touchdowns-while also tallying 10 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. His knack for making plays on the ball makes him a compelling option for a team seeking defensive playmakers.
Beyond his production, Hairston dazzled at the NFL Combine, clocking an electrifying 4.29-second 40-yard dash. His rare speed, coupled with his fluid movement and instincts, places him among the elite cornerback prospects in this class. Currently projected as a top-five player at his position and the No. 31 overall prospect, Hairston would be hard for the Eagles to ignore if he's still available at pick No. 32.
Falcons Keeping a Close Eye on Hairston
Hairston's recent visit to the Falcons' facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, adds another layer of intrigue to his draft stock. The West Bloomfield, Michigan native is widely considered a late first-round selection, but Atlanta's draft positioning could complicate their chances of landing him.
Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 183 pounds, Hairston isn't just a Combine standout-his athleticism translates to the field. He posted a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical jump, and demonstrated excellent footwork and hip fluidity in positional drills. Additionally, he served as a team captain for Kentucky in 2024 and earned second-team All-SEC honors twice.
Despite his impressive résumé, Hairston's aggressive play style occasionally led to big plays for opponents. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 12 receptions on 22 targets in 2024, giving up 262 yards, an average of 21.8 yards per catch. His boom-or-bust tendencies could be a concern at the next level, but his overall skill set remains enticing.
Maxwell Hairston with effortless speed in DB drills
: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/Bsb2aZYKF7
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025
Draft Projection and Team Fit
The Falcons, armed with the No. 15 pick, may find Hairston out of reach at that spot, and he's unlikely to be available when their second-round selection at No. 46 comes around. Meanwhile, the Eagles sit in prime position at No. 32, where Hairston could be an ideal addition to bolster their revamped secondary.
Regardless of where he lands, Hairston's elite speed, instincts, and playmaking ability make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in this year's draft. Both Philadelphia and Atlanta are doing their due diligence, and Hairston's Top 30 visits suggest he's firmly on their radar as the draft approaches.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM.