The Buffalo Bills‘ defense received two big additions in Kentucky cornerback, Maxwell Hairston, and South Carolina DT, TJ Sanders, in April’s draft.
And whilst Sanders is not expected to immediately step in to a starting role, as they are currently being occupied by DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver; Hairston is currently listed as one of the starters next to Christian Benford and long-time nickel, Taron Johnson.
However, according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, the team – and fans – should perhaps temper their expectations of the rookie ahead of Year 1, as Hairston was included in a list of rookies who could disappoint in their debut season.
“The Buffalo Bills took a chance on a high-upside prospect in cornerback Maxwell Hairston with this year’s 30th overall pick.” Sobleski wrote on Sunday, “Hairston has speed to burn, which creates the potential to develop into an elite coverage corner. He also has some flaws to his game.”
Maxwell Suffers From One Key Flaw, According To Analyst
These flaws, according to Sobleski and B/R’s college football scout, Cody Giddings, amount to issues with his aggression, physicality and tackling technique – all things that have been rising in importance for corners in the modern game, as offensive coordinators find ways to scheme running backs open on the perimeter and in 1:1 matchups against defensive backs.
‘”Though he’s more than a willing tackler,’ Sobleski quotes in the article, ‘Hairston’s physicality in tackling is inconsistent, particularly in the open field,” B/R scout Cory Giddings wrote. “While he’s capable of blitzing and contributing against the run, his tackling leaves much to be desired, and he tends to shy away from contact at times. His lack of physicality when tackling could limit his effectiveness in specific defensive schemes that require corners to play a more aggressive role against the run.”‘
And at just 183 lbs, technique and the desire to put his head where it hurts will absolutely critical, especially in his earlier years in the league as he gets used to pro-style offensive schemes and the pacing of the NFL.
Should Bills Fans Be Concerned About Hairston?
In practice, no. Hairston has not taken a single snap in the NFL. And as Sobleski does add, the rookie was dealing with a shoulder issue throughout the 2024 season.
Hairston had some minor injuries during mandatory minicamp that stopped him fully participating in all team drills, but it seems as if he will be ready for training camp, per general maanger, Brandon Beane.
Perhaps the more interesting question is whether the rookie will even win the job, given that he is going up against former 2 x All-Pro CB, Tre’Davious White. Although White is not the player he was in his prime half a decade ago, after injuries and age caught up with him, he can still compete at a high level.
Now that he is back to where he spent the bulk of his career, in Buffalo, it would not be totally surprising to see him get his old job back.
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