NY Jets could find D.J. Reed replacement in this electric NFL Combine standout

The NY Jets are expected to lose starting cornerback D.J. Reed to free agency this offseason, opening up a hole in the team's defense opposite Sauce Gardner.

In a recent Pro Football Focus seven-round mock draft, the Jets selected Reed's successor with the 42nd pick. PFF has the Jets selecting Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston with their second-round pick.

"Hairston’s 2024 season was hampered by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for five games, but his standout 2023 production makes him a strong option in this range"

Josh Liskiewitz

The Jets have a rock-solid nickel cornerback in Michael Carter II, but the team will need an additional body to cover wideouts. Hairston would slide in seamlessly alongside Gardner and Carter and provide strong value at the spot in the draft.

Maxwell Hairston would be a fun addition to the NY Jets' secondary

Hairston was one of the biggest standouts at the NFL Combine this week. The Kentucky product posted a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash time, which was the fastest of any player at the Combine to this point. His 39 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump were also among the best at his position.

Hairston profiles as an elite playmaker with a natural instinct for finding the ball, whether off an errant throw or a tipped pass. His 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame allows him to shadow receivers from the moment the ball is snapped.

He's physical, so he doesn't let guys breathe in man coverage. However, he thrives in zone coverage more than anything. Hairston always keeps his eyes on the QB while covering, allowing him to make early jumps at the ball that not many have the ability to do.

After redshirting in 2021 and a quiet 2022, he broke out in 2023 with five interceptions, earning second-team All-SEC honors. A shoulder injury, however, limited him to just seven games in 2024.

Like any prospect, Hairston has his flaws. He lacks top-end speed, and at times, his choppy footwork causes him to lose a step off the snap.

Hairston compensates with his quick recovery ability and elite tackling skills. Few cornerbacks hit as hard or as fast as he does. If he stays healthy, expect him to force plenty of fumbles in his NFL career.

His elite tackling, playmaking instincts, and recovery ability should offset his relative lack of speed and footwork. Expect him to be an impact starter from day one, regardless of where he lands.

He’s also an ideal fit for the Jets. Not only can he complete the Jets' trio alongside Gardner and Carter, but his ability to excel in zone coverage adds versatility to how the team deploys him.

It also helps that Hairston is a fearless tackler and hard-hitter. It's the mentality that Aaron Glenn is going for, and definitely the mentality the franchise needs right now.

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