Whoa... Kentucky's Max Hairston ran a sub-4.3 at the NFL Combine

by:Drew Franklin•about 10 hours•

DrewFranklinKSR

max-hairston-combine — Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky defensive back Max Hariston (DB10) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Former Kentucky cornerback Max Hairston is one of the early stars of the pre-NFL Draft process. Earlier today, SportsCenter featured Hairston in a conversation about the top cornerbacks in the upcoming draft. Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Hairston fourth among corners, projecting the Wildcat at pick No. 29 to the Washington Commanders.

In that same SportsCenter segment, ESPN’s Field Yates said to watch out for Hairston in the 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday. “One of my favorite players in the class,” said Yates. “The possibility of him running a 4.30 or even faster is very much in the cards today. I think he has a chance to move himself into that first round. Very explosive with outstanding ball skills as a corner. I cannot wait to watch him run.”

Yates knew what he was talking about because Hairston ran a 4.30, the fastest of all times at the combine, on his first attempt in Indianapolis.

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“That would be so much fun to be able to do,” Pat McAfee said on the broadcast after Hairston’s dash. See it for yourself:

Kentucky DB Maxwell Hairston runs a speedy 4.30u!

📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/YhCuwW9lgN
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025

Hairston followed his first time with a 4.29 on his second attempt.

Maxwell Hairston ran a blazing 4.29u on his second run!

📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/yhkcVOInOs
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2025

Hairston in Kiper’s mock draft

Over at ESPN.com, Kiper explained his reasoning behind slotting Hairston at No. 29 in his latest mock draft from Indianapolis:

This offseason should be all about maximizing the Jayden Daniels rookie contract window and building a winner. That might mean pursuing receiver Tee Higgins in free agency. It might mean adding a run stopper. But it should definitely mean shoring up the secondary. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was released this season, two years after being a first-round pick. And while the big midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore moved the needle, he struggled to get onto the field amid a hamstring injury. Toss in that Benjamin St-Juste is a free agent, and there’s room for improvement here.

Hairston has terrific awareness in coverage, and his recognition skills and speed allow him to get to the ball before it arrives. He had six interceptions over his past two seasons.

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24. Hairston fans should pay attention to the first round.