Wildcat Cornerback: The Missing Piece in Green Bay’s Secondary Puzzle?
The Green Bay Packers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a significant question mark looming over their secondary: the cornerback position. After an offseason that saw the departure of key reserve corners and with the future of veteran Jaire Alexander uncertain, the need for talent and depth at the position has become paramount. Could the answer to their prayers lie in Lexington, Kentucky, with one of the Wildcats’ talented defensive backs?
The spotlight has intensified on Kentucky cornerbacks, particularly Maxwell Hairston, as a potential solution for the Packers’ needs. Hairston’s name has consistently appeared in mock drafts connected to Green Bay, with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah projecting him to the Packers at pick No. 23. This buzz is fueled by a combination of Hairston’s impressive collegiate production and his exceptional athleticism showcased during the pre-draft process.
Over his two seasons as a starter for the Wildcats, Hairston has demonstrated a knack for making plays on the ball. In 32 career games, he amassed 89 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and six interceptions, including a remarkable 2023 season where he led the SEC with five interceptions and earned Second Team All-SEC honors. Notably, two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns against Vanderbilt, tying an SEC single-game record. While a shoulder injury limited his 2024 season, he returned late in the year, adding another interception returned for a touchdown to his resume, proving his continued playmaking ability.
Beyond the statistics, Hairston possesses the physical tools that NFL teams covet. His performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was eye-catching, highlighted by a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash, the fastest among all cornerbacks. He also displayed impressive explosiveness with a 39.5-inch vertical jump. These athletic traits align with the Packers’ historical preference for athletic defensive backs with good height and arm length, all boxes that Hairston reportedly checks.
However, one potential concern surrounding Hairston is his size. Weighing in at 183 pounds at the combine, he falls below the typical weight threshold the Packers have historically favored at the cornerback position. Since 2006, Green Bay has only drafted one cornerback under 192 pounds. While Hairston has since reported adding muscle, now weighing 194 pounds, this will still be a point of evaluation for the Packers’ scouting department.
Despite the size concerns, Hairston’s speed, ball skills, and coverage instincts make him a compelling prospect. Pro Football Focus describes him as a “feisty competitor” who excels in bump-and-run coverage and has the potential to develop into a solid zone cornerback in the NFL. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com notes his “impressive ball production” and ability to play both zone and man coverage, highlighting his anticipation and burst.
The context of the Packers’ current cornerback situation further elevates Hairston’s potential fit. With the departures in free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Alexander, the team’s cornerback depth chart features Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and the newly signed Nate Hobbs. While these players provide some experience, the need for long-term stability and potential top-tier talent is evident. If Alexander were to leave, Hairston would immediately compete for playing time and could provide the high-end athleticism the Packers’ secondary might be lacking.
Even if Alexander remains with the team in 2025, adding a player with Hairston’s upside could be a strategic move for the future. He could provide valuable depth and contribute on special teams while developing his skills at the NFL level. The Packers have shown a willingness to invest in young talent at cornerback, and Hairston’s combination of athleticism and playmaking ability could make him an attractive option in the first round or early second round of the draft.
It’s important to note that Hairston isn’t the only Kentucky cornerback who has entered the NFL in recent years. Carrington Valentine, currently on the Packers’ roster, was a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after playing for the Wildcats. While their draft pedigree differs significantly, Valentine’s presence in Green Bay could provide some familiarity with the Kentucky program and potentially offer insights into Hairston’s abilities and character.
Ultimately, whether a Kentucky Wildcats cornerback, specifically Maxwell Hairston, becomes the answer for the Green Bay Packers’ secondary will depend on the team’s evaluation of his overall skillset, his fit within their defensive scheme, and their draft strategy. However, his impressive college production, elite athleticism, and the Packers’ clear need at the cornerback position make him a compelling prospect to watch as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. He possesses the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in the secondary and could very well be the missing piece the Packers are searching for.
