We’re at the point in April where mock drafts become 2.0 and even 3.0 versions.
The powerful Mina Kimes and Todd McShay duo released a “War Room Mock Draft 3.0” on The Mina Kimes Show with Lenny, and they have Green Bay taking quite the prospect at No. 23 overall.
Maxwell Hairston ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in early March. It topped the charts of all players regardless of position. Given the uncertainty of cornerback Jaire Alexander returning, Kimes and McShay have Hairston landing with the Packers. McShay explains:
He can play man, he can play zone. Fastest guy at the combine this year. I think he might be the second-most explosive, dynamic athlete in this draft behind (Travis) Hunter… I just think this is the right spot.
Kimes agreed, saying she thought he’d be a good scheme fit with Jeff Hafley.
Hairston was an absolute spark plug with Kentucky. The speedster had six interceptions in three years and took three back to the house. He also forced three fumbles. He did miss five games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, and there are questions about his ability to chip in when needed in run support.
Still, the good outweighs the bad, and his versatility to thrive in both man and zone is a big plus for a Packers team that leans towards taking players who can do multiple things at a high level.
In Hairston, the Packers would get a cornerback who can instantly take snaps as a rookie and could contend for a starting spot by the end of 2025, assuming Alexander isn’t in Green Bay.
If the Packers were to declare they’ve worked things out with Alexander, cornerback would likely go on the back burner considering the signing of Nate Hobbs to join Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. Having Alexander sent elsewhere, however, creates a sizable hole.
Hairston is a tue ballhawk, which makes up for a smaller frame that may cause some teams to shy away from him as a first-round prospect.
As of now, the Packers need a corner, and Hairston could help fill the void.
