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Former Kentucky DB Maxwell Hairston picked No. 30 overall in Round 1
By Mark Kern
Published:
Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston put together a phenomenal collegiate career, where he became 1 of the best players to play for the Wildcats in quite some time.
On Thursday, he made history as he became the first defensive back ever from Kentucky to be drafted in the first round when the Buffalo Bills took him with the No. 30 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hairston becomes the fourth first-round pick of the Mark Stoops era, and the first Wildcat to be drafted in the first round since Jamin Davis was selected by the Washington Commanders with the 19th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He had to battle injuries during this last season, as he was able to play in only 7 games. However, he showcased his talent during the 2023 season, when he was as good a cornerback as there was in college football. He had 68 tackles and 5 interceptions, while taking 2 of those back for touchdowns.
Hairston was named Second Team All-SEC in 2023 and 2024, and he was on the preseason Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award list.
The Bills have had some question marks at the cornerback position, as they signed Tre’Davious White to come back to Buffalo. Hairston is as good of athlete as there was at the cornerback position in this draft, and he has a chance to contribute immediately for Buffalo.
