Maxwell Hairston Impresses at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with Blazing Speed

Image credits: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston made a significant impression at the 2025 NFL scouting combine on Friday, demonstrating his exceptional speed and athleticism. Hairston recorded an unofficial time of 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash on his second attempt of the day, which was later officially announced as 4.28 seconds, the best time of the 2025 combine so far. He reached a top speed of 24.25 miles per hour during the run, via Next Gen Stats, making him one of the fastest players at the combine.

Hairston's performance was highly anticipated, and he delivered on his promise to put on a show. The senior defensive back was limited to just seven games during his 2024 campaign due to a shoulder injury but finished with 19 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Hairston has shown that he can create turnovers, as his five interceptions during his 2023 campaign were tied for the most among all SEC players. He was ranked as the No. 7 cornerback and No. 42 overall prospect on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. Speed, agility, and athleticism are essential qualities for a cornerback, and Hairston has demonstrated that he possesses these traits.

The 2025 NFL scouting combine saw several cornerbacks participate in the 40-yard dash, with Iowa State's Darien Porter clocking a 4.30 to finish second among the cornerbacks, and Tulane's Caleb Ransaw having the third-best time among the cornerbacks at 4.33 seconds. The leaders among the cornerbacks in other measured drills included Tulane's Ransaw, who got the highest off the ground among the cornerbacks with a 40-inch vertical jump, and Rutgers' Robert Longerbeam, who cleared 11 feet, 2 inches to lead the group in the broad jump. The following are the top 5 cornerbacks' 40-yard dash times:

• Maxwell Hairston: 4.28 seconds
• Darien Porter: 4.30 seconds
• Caleb Ransaw: 4.33 seconds
• Amos: 4.35 seconds
• Bryant: 4.36 seconds

Hairston's draft stock should receive a significant boost following his stellar 40-yard dash performance on Friday. He is currently ranked as CBSSports.com's No. 8 cornerback and the No. 67 prospect overall, but there has been some buzz around Indianapolis about Hairston making his way into the first round. With a smaller number of prospects with first-round grades in this year's draft, there should be a larger pool of prospects in consideration for the first-round. Hairston has had 11 formal interviews with NFL teams, including with the Bills, Seahawks, Colts, Buccaneers, Chargers, Raiders, and 49ers, and has been compared to veteran NFL cornerback Rasul Douglas and four-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward.

The 2025 NFL Draft is to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects. As the draft approaches, Hairston's performance at the combine will be closely examined by NFL teams, and his speed and athleticism will likely make him a highly sought-after prospect. With his impressive showing at the combine, Hairston has solidified his position as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, and his future in the NFL looks promising.