This year’s rookie class for the Buffalo Bills had some hits and some unknowns through the regular season. It’s pretty clear that Buffalo’s best draft picks were defensive tackle Deone Walker and tight end Jackson Hawes. Walker has been a big time addition to the defense and Hawes has been a phenomenal blocking tight end for the offense.
With both of them being Day 3 picks, it’s encouraging but also concerning because you would want more from your higher draft picks.
The Bills had selected cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round this past year, but he didn’t play in his first game until Week 8. He was placed on the IR that caused him to miss the first four games of the season, then the Bills were still being patient with him with keeping him out for another three games.
While Hairston hasn’t exactly been a star this season, he has been solid for the most part. Sure, he’s had his welcome to the NFL moment against Jaylen Waddle and the Dolphins in Week 10, but what rookie hasn’t been embarrassed atleast once?
Maxwell Hairston listed as Bills' strongest building block moving forward
Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report listed each team’s “strongest building block” from this year’s rookie class and Hairston was listed for the Bills. Here’s what Gagnon said about Hairston:
"Deone Walker and Jackson Hawes have had nice rookie seasons as Day 3 picks, and injuries have prevented Hairston from getting into a consistent groove. That said, the first-round pick has been quite strong when healthy. Opposing quarterbacks have a mere 75.8 passer rating when throwing into Hairston's coverage."Brad Gagnon, Bleacher Report
In ten games, Hairston has recorded two interceptions (with his first one being against Patrick Mahomes), but has also allowed two touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference. That’s not the worst, but the hope is that he can finish out the season on a strong note.
The biggest hope for the Bills is that both Hairston and Christian Benford can form a duo as one of the best cornerback teams in the NFL. Benford has become a shutdown No. 1 corner and if Hairston can become the same thing, this secondary in Buffalo is going to be in good hands for the future.