CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky | Time: 4.28
Hairston ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.28 seconds) at the combine in Indianapolis. There won’t be a shortage of options for the former Wildcat, who is projected to be a first-round pick.
The 5-foot-11, 183-pound Hairston was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2023 and 2024.
Projected team: Packers | With standout cornerback Jaire Alexander’s future unclear in Green Bay, the Packers could add the explosive Hairston to patch up their secondary. ESPN.com’s John Keim noted the Commanders have shown interest and have a need at the position.
WR Matthew Golden, Texas: | Time: 4.29
Golden is not the best route runner, but his elite speed will make him a high priority for a team on draft day. He has the ability to play all three receiver spots. Plus, Golden has the agility and body control to make highlight-reel catches.
He finished his final season at Texas with 987 yards and nine touchdowns on 58 catches. Golden averaged 17.9 yards per catch, a home run threat number.
Per NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein, “Golden’s starting-level traits and big leap forward as a go-to playmaker have him primed to become a productive catch-maker with the potential to develop into a WR1 in the future.”
Projected team: Cowboys | All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb desperately needs a running mate in Dallas. Golden would provide a deep threat for a team that recorded the 13th-fewest passing plays of 20+ yards last season.
CB Darien Porter, Iowa State | Time: 4.30
A sixth-year senior, the 24-year-old is a freak athlete with traits that teams covet. However, with just one year of starting experience at cornerback, the former wide receiver is expected to be a Day 2 pick.
Per NFL.com analyst Zierlein, Porter’s “athletic profile and instant impact on special teams should create more confidence in projecting [his] continued ascension as a CB2/CB3.”
Projected team: Bills | Porter is an enticing project for any NFL franchise, but he likely won’t be ready to start at the next level right away. However, his size (6-3, 195 pounds) and athleticism will put him on the radar of several teams.
WR Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee | Time: 4.30
Thornton led Tennessee with 661 receiving yards (on 23 receptions) and six receiving touchdowns. He also led the FBS with 25.4 yards per reception.
Per NFL.com analyst Zierlein, Thornton is “average after the catch on short throws but plays as big as he measures, winning contested catches on all three levels. Thornton is a low-volume target with erratic production, but teams looking for vertical juice should have him on their boards.”
Projected team:
Eagles | The Super Bowl champions don’t have a ton of needs, but they can find room for a 6-foot-5, 205-pound wideout with elite speed. The Eagles have four Day 3 draft picks and could target Thornton then.
RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech: 4.32
Tuten isn’t big (5-9, 206 pounds), but he makes up for his lack of size with elite speed.
“(The) 4.32 wasn’t my best time,” he said in a phone interview with Marc Narducci for the Courierpostonline.com about his combine dash. “I had to make adjustments and could have run better.”
Tuten was voted second-team All-ACC after leading the Hokies with 1,159 rushing yards last season.
Projected team:
Dolphins | Miami covets speed, especially at the skill positions, and could add another burner in Tuten, who might not be as fast as Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill.
