The Las Vegas Raiders recently conducted a formal interview with Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston during the NFL Combine, signaling strong interest in the rising defensive prospect. Hairston, who is entering the 2025 NFL Draft, has quickly emerged as a name to watch. Frequently projected as a second-round selection with the upside to sneak into the first round, Hairston’s profile has only continued to climb thanks to a mix of elite athleticism and production.
Standing between 5’11” and 6’1″ and weighing in the 179–189 pound range, Hairston possesses a slim build but makes up for it with impressive athletic traits. His speed is particularly noteworthy—running a blazing 4.28 in the 40-yard dash—alongside a 39.5-inch vertical leap, showcasing his explosiveness and quick-twitch ability. A former three-star recruit, Hairston’s breakout came in 2023, when he recorded five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Despite battling a shoulder injury that limited him to only seven games in 2024, he still managed to add another pick-six to his resume.
Across 20 career starts, Hairston has demonstrated strong coverage skills, allowing a passer rating of just 72.7 when targeted. His six interceptions and eight pass breakups point to solid ball-tracking ability and a natural feel for zone coverage. While his lighter frame raises some concern regarding his physicality, particularly in tackling and run defense, his instincts and playmaking talent remain appealing.
With his standout combine performance and proven production, Hairston is seen as a potential starter at the NFL level—particularly in zone-based defensive systems like the one the Raiders could look to strengthen.
