Dallas Cowboys 2025 draft scouting report: CB Maxwell Hairston

Here is our scouting report on Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky

We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky.

Maxwell Hairston

CB
Kentucky Wildcats
Junior
3-star recruit
5’11”
183 lbs

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images

History

Maxwell Hairston was born on August 6, 2003, in West Bloomfield, Michigan. During his senior year at West Bloomfield High School, he demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, recording 16 pass deflections, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles. His athletic versatility extended beyond football, as he also participated in basketball and track. Despite receiving offers from schools like Kansas, Minnesota, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and Washington State, Hairston committed to Kentucky, citing the program as his “dream school.”

In 2021, Hairston redshirted for his freshman year, focusing on developing his skills and understanding of the collegiate game. In 2022, as a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 12 games, primarily contributing on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. He recorded two total tackles, one solo and one assist.

In 2023, Hairston emerged as a key player in the Wildcats’ secondary. In 13 games, he amassed 68 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and led the SEC with five interceptions for 131 return yards and two pick-sixes. Additionally, he had six pass deflections and one forced fumble. Notably, in a game against Vanderbilt, he set a school record by returning two interceptions for touchdowns, earning him Second-Team All-SEC honors.

Despite being limited to seven games due to a shoulder injury in 2024, Hairston continued to showcase his defensive prowess. He recorded 19 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one interception returned for 25 yards and a touchdown, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. His performance once again earned Second-Team All-SEC recognition.

Hairston tied the Kentucky Wildcat’s record for most career interceptions returned for touchdowns with three, a record he shares with Dallas Owens back in 1974.

2024 Statistics

297 Defensive Snaps
142 Coverage Snaps
19 Total Tackles
1 Tackles For Loss
1 Sack
4 Pass Breakups
1 INT
1 INT-TD
1 Forced Fumble
78.2 Passer Rating Allowed
55% Completion Rate Allowed
2 Penalties

NFL Combine/Pro Day

10-Yard Split- 1.50s (87%)
40-Yard Dash- 4.28 (99%)
Vert- 39.5” (89%)
Broad- 129” (89%)

Awards

Second-team All-SEC (2024)
Second-team All-SEC (2023)

Scorecard

Overall- 89.7
Speed-97
Acceleration- 85
Agility- 81
Strength- 62
Tackling- 77
Run Defense- 58
Zone Coverage- 88
Man Coverage- 84
Press- 74
Discipline- 92

THE GOOD

• Has exceptional ball-hawking skills, recording six interceptions over his collegiate career.
• His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate routes makes him a significant threat in coverage.
• Exhibits proficiency in both man and zone coverage schemes.
• His length and agility allow him to effectively press receivers at the line.
• Hairston possesses elite speed and quickness necessary to stay with the fastest NFL receivers.
• Has fluid hips and change-of-direction skills.

THE BAD

• He could benefit from adding muscle mass to better contend with physical receivers.
• Improving his tackling technique and consistency will be crucial. Had 12 missed tackles the last two seasons.
• Needs to refine his technique in press coverage with his hand placement and footwork.
• His smaller size raises concerns of durability in the NFL.
• Medical red flag after missing most of 2024.

THE FIT

Maxwell Hairston is a dynamic cornerback prospect with a knack for creating turnovers and a solid foundation in various coverage schemes. He excels in zone coverage, demonstrating outstanding spatial awareness and the ability to process multiple route combinations simultaneously. His exceptional closing speed allows him to break on the ball swiftly, making him a significant threat to disrupt passes. Additionally, his fluid change-of-direction skills enable him to mirror receivers effectively through their routes. These attributes, combined with his instinctive playmaking ability, make him a formidable presence in the secondary.

There are some concerns with Hairston. His slender frame raises concerns about his durability and ability to consistently engage physically with larger, more robust NFL receivers. Enhancing his upper body strength will be crucial to effectively contest catches and maintain tight coverage. Additionally, while Hairston’s aggressive playing style contributes to his playmaking ability, it can sometimes lead to overcommitting, making him susceptible to double moves and misdirection plays. Developing greater discipline and refining his technique, particularly in press-man coverage, will help mitigate these vulnerabilities. Furthermore, improving his tackling consistency is essential, as his current technique results in missed tackles.

Hairston’s exceptional ball skills and versatility in coverage make him a compelling prospect for the Dallas Cowboys, that have a big weakness at cornerback. With the departure of veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis and uncertainty surrounding Trevon Diggs’ injury recovery, the Cowboys have a pressing need at the cornerback position.

His ability to anticipate routes and create turnovers could significantly enhance the Cowboys’ pass defense. Additionally, his agility and speed would be a valuable assets in countering the dynamic receiving threats within the NFC East. Selecting Hairston would not only address a critical roster gap but also provide the Cowboys with a young talent capable of immediate contribution and long-term development.

COMPARISON:

Rasul Douglas, Philadelphia Eagles

BTB GRADE:

34th

CONSENSUS RANKING:

35th
(Consensus ranking based on the average ranking from 90 major scoring services, including BTB)