Maxwell Hairston, Deone Walker are both receiving first-round draft buzz

Kentucky’s defense has high expectations in 2024. Most of that is due to the star power on the roster. The Wildcats have roster balance at all three levels with some true difference makers. That means the draft community could be watching UK games than normal this season.

We all know that Deone Walker will likely become a first-round pick and is generating some top-10 buzz. But could cornerback Maxwell Hairston sneak into the first round? In his first big board ranking of the 2025 draft cycle, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has both Kentucky defenders inside the top 32, and therefore, potential first-round picks.

17.) Deone Walker

With his size and movement ability, Walker is a unique player for which offenses must game plan on each snap — and he has NFL teams excited for his next-level potential. He has also proven that he can handle a high volume of snaps while sustaining his level of play (averaged 56 defensive snaps per game in 2023). Walker had probably his worst performance last season against Georgia’s offensive line, so NFL scouts will have Sept. 14 circled to see how Walker fares against the Bulldogs in Lexington.

Dane Brugler

32.) Maxwell Hairston

With his competitive mindset, Hairston is wired the right way for the cornerback position and also has the fluid movements and run-game toughness required to be an NFL starter next year.

Dane Brugler

Brugler is lower than the consensus to this point on Walker, but the draft analyst is higher on Hairston. After spotting Andru Phillips early in last cycle, Brugler was proven right to call the Kentucky defensive back a top-100 prospect with the New York Giants take Phillips at No. 70 overall in the beginning of the third round. Now some early buzz for Hairston could lead to another Kentucky cornerback getting drafted early.

The Wildcats have some star power on defense.

Top 50 prospects on Kentucky’s schedule

5.) James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)

8.) Carson Beck (QB, Georgia)

9.) Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)

14.) Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)

15.) Kelvin Banks Jr. (T, Texas)

23.) Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)

40.) Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)

41.) Jahdae Barron (CB/Nickel, Texas)

43.) Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas)

44.) Walter Nolen (iDL, Ole Miss)

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