Maxwell Hairston

Hairston has the speed to make quarterbacks reconsider deep shots and the confidence to challenge receivers in man coverage. This is the season where his traits need to become week-to-week starting production.

Strengths: Speed, man coverage, ball skills, recovery ability and starting opportunity.

Weaknesses: Past injury interruptions and limited full-season NFL experience.

Hairston gave Buffalo a lot to like in limited rookie action. Two picks and five breakups in 11 games show that the ball does not just bounce his way; he sees it and attacks it. The bigger 2026 question is how he handles a full schedule of NFL route detail and physical receivers. I put him at a seven because the early tape points toward a real starter, but he still needs a larger sample before the grade can climb into proven territory.

Strengths: He has natural ball skills, quick reactions and the confidence to challenge routes rather than play passively. Hairston can make up ground and has already shown an ability to finish interceptions when the chance comes.

Weaknesses: The NFL résumé is only 11 games, so consistency against elite receivers is unknown. He must add strength against blocks and contested catches while avoiding the rookie tendency to overtrust athletic recovery.