Time to add two more updates to the Philadelphia Eagles’ pre-draft visits tracker leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Birds recently hosted Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston (per his Instagram, h/t @JaguarsNow95) at the NovaCare Complex. They’re also scheduled to host SMU edge rusher Elijah Roberts, according to a report from Justin Melo.
Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis.
MAXWELL HAIRSTON
Hairston is the No. 42 prospect ranked by Pro Football Focus and No. 32 by Daniel Jeremiah.
The 21-year-old played 32 games at Kentucky over the last three years. He logged six interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 10 passes defensed, and three forced fumbles during that span. He’s clearly got some play-making ability.
Despite releasing Darius Slay and letting Isaiah Rodgers walk in free agency, the Eagles arguably don’t have a pressing (no pun intended) need at corner. Quinyon Mitchell has a bright future on the outside. Cooper DeJean has a bright future at some position, perhaps staying at nickel. Kelee Ringo might be ready to make the leap to a full-time starter in 2025. Adoree’ Jackson is a credible veteran backup.
And so it’d be surprising to see the Eagles draft another cornerback early on. But they’re apparently doing some homework on Hairston. Taking him could make sense if he’s undeniably the best player on the board at the time.
Scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Slender outside cornerback with long arms and impressive ball production. Hairston is capable of playing all forms of zone and man coverage. He anticipates well with his eyes forward and has the burst to take the ball away, posting six interceptions (three returned for TDs) over his last 20 games. He stays connected in man coverage with good agility and fluidity but needs to do a better job of locating the football downfield. He will struggle to contest big wideouts and his run support will turn off some teams. Hairston has the athleticism and on-ball talent to become a starter, but he needs to prove he can hold up to the rigors and physicality of the NFL game.
Relative athletic score:
ELIJAH ROBERTS
Roberts is the No. 82 prospect ranked by Pro Football Focus.
Relatively speaking, he’s on the older side considering he’ll turn 24 in December as a rookie. Consider that recent Eagles free agent signing Azeez Ojulari, who’s already played four NFL seasons, is currently 24.
Roberts began his college football career at Miami (Florida). He saw limited playing time in three years there before transferring to SMU, where he logged 24 TFLs, 17.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 27 games played from 2023-2024.
Despite signing Ojulari and Josh Uche, the Eagles can still afford to add to their edge rusher room. Roberts could be a Day 2 target if the Birds like him but there are some red flags here. The Eagles seem to want to get to know him a little bit more.
Scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
Productive base end with good play strength who continues to add weight to his frame. Roberts has chalked up stats as a standing defender but isn’t athletic enough to play as a 3-4 outside ‘backer in the NFL and might not have the brutality to play inside at three-technique despite his size. Roberts won’t win the rush with speed or quickness but he can collapse the pocket with a finesse-to-power rush transition. He is slow to read and react to mesh points and counters. He’s also a wildly inconsistent arm tackler. The production could earn him an opportunity, but it might not be translatable as a base defensive end in the pros.
Relative athletic score:
