Bills Trade Up for NFL Combine Standout in Proposed Draft Day Move
With NFL Draft week officially underway, college prospects are just days away from potentially receiving life-changing calls from teams. Regardless of the round, every player hopes to prove they’re worthy of being selected.
The Buffalo Bills currently hold the 30th overall pick, but they might look to trade up. General Manager Brandon Beane has ten draft picks, though it’s unlikely he’ll use them all.
Buffalo has significant needs at cornerback and defensive tackle. To address their secondary, the team recently brought back Tre’Davious White on a one-year deal after his stints with the Rams and Ravens. While White adds experience alongside Christian Benford, he’s no longer viewed as a long-term option, so finding a young cornerback to groom makes sense.
Proposed Trade: Bills Move Up for CB Maxwell Hairston
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated recently outlined a mock draft scenario where each team participates in a trade. In his plan, the Bills move up just one spot—from No. 30 to No. 29—via a trade with the Washington Commanders. In exchange, Buffalo would send its first-round pick (No. 30) and a sixth-round pick (No. 177).
With the 29th pick, the Bills would select Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Hairston gained attention at the NFL Combine with his blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash. He also offers versatility in both zone and man coverage schemes and could potentially start right away if needed. In 2023, he led the SEC with five interceptions and also had six pass breakups.
Adding Hairston could help the Bills rebound from their 2022 pick of Kaiir Elam, who hasn’t fully panned out. Hairston appears to be a better fit for the team’s defensive system. Buffalo might consider this slight trade-up if there’s concern another team like the Chiefs or Eagles is targeting Hairston.
