The Green Bay Packers have known their draft position for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft for a few weeks now, but with Super Bowl 59 now over, it is officially offseason mode for all 32 teams around the league. ESPN+ released their latest mock draft with the complete draft order now finalized, and expert Field Yates has the Packers going corner in the first round.
Kentucky Corner Maxwell Hairston Projected to Be the Newest Packer
At 23rd overall, the Packers will likely have their chance to dip into the cornerback market with most of the top players still available. Outside of Heisman winner Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Will Johnson, who figure to be selected well before the Packers are on the clock, there should be multiple talented options available. Perhaps none of them are as talented as Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Hairston has impressive size and length, with a strong frame and good arms. Hairston has been praised for his awareness and instincts during his time in college and is also known for his aggressiveness. His profile is comparable to that of recent first-round-pick Terrion Arnold, whom the Detroit Lions selected last year out of Alabama. Although not as fast as Arnold, they both have similar body types, strong football IQ, and an aggressive style of play.
Hairston certainly has some things to clean up in his game, including footwork consistency and fluidity in-and-out of breaks, and while his speed is far from elite, he still has a lot of impressive traits that NFL teams will be drawn to. Hairston had himself an excellent Senior Bowl and will likely be a late first round pick.
Maxwell Hairston🔒🔒@UKFootball
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 28, 2025
Green Bay Packers Certainly Have Needs in the Secondary
The Packers definitely could use an infusion of talent in the secondary. As noted by Yates, the Packers allowed a 67.4% completion rate during the 2024-25 season, which was good for 25th in the league. With top corner Jaire Alexander heading into free agency, the need may be even greater.
Here’s what Yates wrote about Hairston:
The Packers have to look at their cornerback room this offseason. Improvements would allow them to play more man coverage under coordinator Jeff Hafley after tying with Tampa Bay for the lowest percentage of man coverage snaps in 2024 (29.2%). Hairston sat out some time because of a shoulder injury this past season, but he led the SEC with five interceptions in 2023 — two of which were returned for touchdowns. He’s a playmaking ball magnet who is going to fly in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
The Packers have several other young players in the secondary showing promise, including safety Evan Williams, so it would make sense for GM Brian Gutekunst to lean into that and add another young talent like Hairston.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
