The Buffalo Bills entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission: bolster their secondary to solidify their defense and maintain their reign as five-time AFC East champions. General Manager Brandon Beane, known for his calculated approach, targeted the cornerback position, selecting Maxwell Hairston in the first round. However, just one week into the 2025 NFL season, that decision is already under intense scrutiny as Hairston’s injury woes and the stellar performance of another rookie cornerback, Will Johnson, have Bills Mafia questioning what could have been.
In Week 1, the Arizona Cardinals’ 20-13 road victory over the New Orleans Saints showcased Will Johnson as an instant game-changer. The No. 47 overall pick, who slipped to Day 2 due to concerns about a knee injury’s impact on his long-term durability, delivered a performance that screamed star potential. Johnson recorded three pass breakups and limited Saints receivers to just four receptions for 32 scoreless yards on seven targets. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade of 90.3 was second only to New York Jets’ All-Pro Sauce Gardner (90.5) league-wide, signaling his immediate impact.
Meanwhile, Buffalo’s first-round pick, Maxwell Hairston, watched from the sidelines in street clothes, sidelined by a right LCL sprain sustained during training camp. This injury, a non-contact issue, followed a hamstring ailment that already cost him time during mandatory minicamp. For a team desperate for cornerback depth, Hairston’s absence is a glaring problem, and his inability to stay healthy has only amplified the regret surrounding Beane’s draft choice.
The Bills’ decision to draft Hairston over Johnson wasn’t made in a vacuum. Johnson’s slide in the draft stemmed from medical red flags, particularly concerns about his knee and its potential to limit his career longevity. Beane, wary of investing a high pick in a player with durability questions, opted for Hairston, who was seen as a safer bet to contribute immediately. However, the irony is stark: Hairston’s own injury history has now left Buffalo without their prized rookie, while Johnson thrives in Arizona.
The Bills’ need for a reliable cornerback was evident after their 2024 AFC Divisional Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, where Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers exposed weaknesses in Buffalo’s secondary. Johnson’s Week 1 performance suggests he could have been the answer to containing dynamic playmakers like Flowers. Instead, Buffalo’s defense is left wanting, and Beane’s gamble on Hairston is looking like a misstep.
As the old adage goes, availability is the best ability. Hairston’s early career has been defined by anything but. His hamstring injury during minicamp was a setback, but the non-contact LCL sprain in training camp landed him on injured reserve, casting doubt on his immediate future. While it’s too early to label Hairston a bust—after all, he hasn’t had a chance to prove himself on the field—his absence is a significant blow for a Bills team aiming to finally overcome their postseason hurdles.
In contrast, Johnson’s immediate impact in Arizona underscores what Buffalo missed. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and lock down receivers would have been a boon for a Bills defense that has struggled against elite passing attacks in recent playoff runs. The fact that Johnson was available when Buffalo made their selection only deepens the sting of this draft decision.
Hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s easy to criticize Beane now that Johnson is shining while Hairston heals. The Bills’ front office deserves credit for recognizing their need at cornerback and addressing it aggressively. However, the early returns suggest they may have bet on the wrong player. Beane’s decision to prioritize Hairston’s perceived reliability over Johnson’s higher ceiling now appears questionable, especially as the latter proves his worth on the field.
For now, Bills fans can only hope Hairston recovers swiftly and lives up to his first-round billing. If he can return to full health and contribute, this debate may become a footnote. But after just one week of the 2025 season, the decision to pass on Will Johnson in favor of Maxwell Hairston looks like a catastrophic miscalculation—one that could haunt Buffalo as they chase a Super Bowl.