The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason is all about reloading, and according to Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema, they may already have their next big piece lined up. In his latest mock draft, Sikkema has Baltimore selecting Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston with the 27th overall pick. Given the state of the Ravens’ secondary, it’s hard to argue with the logic.
Brandon Stephens is set to hit free agency, and while he’s been a solid contributor, his 2024 season was filled with more bad moments than good. Opposing quarterbacks targeted him nonstop, and his struggles in coverage made him borderline unplayable at times.
With Marcus Williams also likely to be released, the Ravens are quickly running thin on defensive backs. Hairston could step in and help fill that gap immediately.
Sikkema explained the selection:
"Hairston was a big winner at the combine, proving his elite speed with a 4.28-second 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical jump. He missed time this past season due to a shoulder injury, but when healthy, he was a feisty run defender and a good form tackler for the position. I believe he'll have a pre-draft rise similar to Terrion Arnold last year. The Ravens could use more cornerback help if they let Brandon Stephens walk in free agency."
Maxwell Hairston’s fit in Baltimore feels seamless
The Ravens aren’t new to drafting elite athletes at cornerback. Look no further than Baltimore’s first-round pick last year, Nate Wiggins. Hairston’s 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine is identical to the time posted by the soon-to-be second-year stud. Wiggins looks the part of CB1, but with Stephens likely gone and Marlon Humphrey carrying the second-highest cap hit on the team, adding another corner makes tons of sense.
Hairston isn’t without his flaws (shocker). His footwork needs work, and he can be inconsistent in tackling, but his ball skills and length make him a really intriguing option. At 6-foot-1, weighing 186 pounds, he thrives in press coverage and has the vision to excel in zone schemes. With the right development—looking at you, Chuck Pagano—he could step in as a day-one contributor.
Of course, the Ravens could also explore other routes. A trade for Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander, Lamar Jackson’s former Louisville teammate, has been floated as a possibility, but his contract would be a real snug fit under Baltimore’s limited cap space. There’s also been talk of a potential deal for Saints' safety Tyrann Mathieu, which would help solidify the back end of the defense.
If Baltimore sticks with the draft, Hairston isn’t the only option at No. 27. Other names to watch include Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr., Georgia safety Malaki Starks, South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, and offensive tackles Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) and Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon).
All could provide immediate help, but Hairston’s skill set and athleticism make him an easy choice if the Ravens want to upgrade their secondary... which looks like it could use a refresh.