The Washington Commanders could go in a few different directions when they select No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Various mocks in recent weeks have had the Commanders using the selection on the offensive line, defensive line, and running back. In Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN's latest, he has Washington taking Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston.
Commanders select Maxwell Hairston in Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft
Hairston is a rising prospect who has found his way into the late first-round range. He's a ball-hawking defensive back who could be an ideal fit for a Washington defense that needs some more playmaking within its secondary — a sentiment echoed by Kiper.
"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. [Maxwell] 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."Mel Kiper Jr.
The former Wildcat recorded six interceptions during his three seasons at Kentucky, five of which came during the 2023 campaign. Hairston earned second-team All-SEC honors in both 2023 and 2024 and famously secured two pick-sixes during a game against Vanderbilt. He is described by Lance Zierlein from NFL.com as a "Slender outside cornerback with long arms and impressive ball production."
That's a description that might raise some red flags for Commanders fans. It shares some similarities with 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who was released earlier this season. However, Hairston would be drafted into a much better situation.
Washington already boasts veteran Marshon Lattimore and 2024 second-rounder Mike Sainristil as its projected starting corners. This gives Hairston time to develop and learn from two proven performers at the highest level.
Sainristil showed immense promise down the stretch during his rookie season. Lattimore will ideally be more consistent after having a full offseason in D.C. to get healthy and learn the system. That said, a backup plan might not hurt, and that's where Hairston would come in.
He's a player who could raise Washington's ceiling if he pans out. But the success of the Commanders' secondary wouldn't hinge upon his development the way it did with Forbes.
The Commanders have some additional needs that can be considered more immediate than the defensive backfield, such as the offensive and defensive line, and a second weapon at wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. However, most of those will likely be addressed in free agency as Adam Peters looks for flexibility during the draft.
Picking down at No. 29, Washington has to know that it probably won't be drafting a game-changing superstar, regardless of position. It's worth taking a gamble on someone who could possess that upside in the best of all possible worlds.
Hairston is a player who seems to fit the bill.
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