GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers bolstered their defensive backfield by signing Nate Hobbs in free agency, but questions remain if they have a definitive, elite cornerback. While they currently lack a true No. 1 shutdown corner, Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston could fill that role, as projected in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft on NFL.com.

“Jaire Alexander’s long-term status with the Packers is uncertain, prompting them to consider the electrifying Hairston,” Jeremiah noted. Preceding the Scouting Combine, Jeremiah ranked Hairston 43rd among prospects, anticipating that a strong performance could propel him into first-round discussions. “He’s going to be incredibly fast,” Jeremiah predicted before the Combine. “He’s in my top 50. I think he can sprint his way into first-round talks. Expect some buzz around him.”

Standing 5-foot-11 1/4 and weighing 183 pounds with 31-inch arms, Hairston’s size is moderate, but his exceptional athleticism sets him apart. His 4.28-second 40-yard dash was the quickest at the Scouting Combine, complemented by a 39.5-inch vertical leap, earning him a Relative Athletic Score of 9.62.

Hairston led the SEC with five interceptions, 131 return yards, and two pick-sixes during a standout 2023 season. “I grew up playing wide receiver, which honed my ball skills,” he told The Draft Network before the season. “I feel confident catching any pass thrown my way, just like a receiver.”

“I have a strong sense for the position, trusting my vision. That stems from my preparation, studying, and analyzing film, enabling me to play instinctively and aggressively.” In 2024, he missed five games due to a shoulder injury and an unspecified issue requiring hospitalization, managing only one interception.

“He’s proactive in run support and a dynamic blitzer,” Jeremiah mentioned in his rankings. “He had an impressive 2023 but wasn’t targeted much in the games I reviewed from the last year. Overall, Hairston combines impressive movement skills with solid production.”

Pro Football Focus reported that Hairston allowed a 54.5 percent completion rate, with an average catch of 21.8 yards. In 2023, despite numerous interceptions, he had a 65.7 percent completion rate against him, albeit for just 9.8 yards per reception.

Known as “Mad Max,” Hairston explained, “That’s my on-field persona,” he told Steelers Depot at the Senior Bowl. “My coach gave me that nickname in my youth, and with NIL opportunities, I’ve embraced it. On the field, I’m Mad Max.”

Mississippi’s Trey Amos and Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas were selected as cornerbacks following Green Bay’s first-round pick. A total of five cornerbacks were chosen in the first round. As for edge rushers, Georgia’s Mykel Williams, often linked to the Packers at No. 23, was picked by the Detroit Lions at No. 28.

Additionally, three other defensive linemen, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, were picked between No. 27 and No. 32. Only two wide receivers were drafted in the first round, with Texas’ Matthew Golden being the first selected.