NFL Combine Day Two Risers – Defensive Backs

The NFL Combine is a pivotal event in the annual football calendar, showcasing the talents of collegiate athletes vying for professional glory. Among the athletes who seized the spotlight on Day Two of the Combine were South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, Iowa State’s Darien Porter, and Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston. Draft Nation was there to watch them showcase their talents, boosting their draft stock with impressive performances.

Here's a quick hit on each:

Nick Emmanwori – S – South Carolina

Versatile Nick Emmanwori impressed in drills and in the measurable portion of the Combine. Running a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and posting a 43” vertical jump for a safety had the crowd cheering for the Gamecock veteran. Standing at 6’3” and weighing around 220 pounds, his physicality is matched only by his exceptional athleticism. His fluid movements during the agility drills indicated that he can not only cover ground rapidly but also quickly change direction, an essential trait for any defensive back in today’s pass-heavy league.

Emmanwori’s football IQ is evident on film but in today’s drills, he looked like a man among boys. Scouts were comparing him to the Charger’s Derwin James and the Raven’s Kyle Hamilton. Not bad company to be associated with and his performance at Lucas Oil made many think he may have caught top safety prospect Malaki Starks of Georgia.

Darien Porter – CB – Iowa State

Another athlete who turned heads was former Cyclone Darien Porter, a cornerback who arrived at the Combine with something to prove. Porter’s size and athletic build were key attributes that drew interest, but it was his performance during the 40-yard dash was particularly noteworthy, clocking in at 4.30 seconds, only 0.02 off the top time in the class.

Porter’s agility and ball skills were on full display during drills, and coupled with his ability to stay in phase with wide receivers and make contested catches during the season, Porter moved up many draft boards and into a potential late first-round choice in April.

“Mad Max” Maxwell Hairston – CB – Kentucky

Maxwell Hairston has been moving up draft boards ever since the All-Star game exhibitions in January, but he set the mark to beat in the 40-yard dash by posting a 4.28, best among defensive backs on the day. He jumped 39 ½ inches in the vertical and leaped 10 feet 9 inches in the broad jump.

Hairston played against SEC talent week in and week out but was a lesser-known prospect until today. During the position drills, Hairston displayed excellent times, demonstrating the ability to shadow receivers effectively. His fluid hips and ability to adjust to the receiver’s movements have led to comparisons with some of the top cornerbacks in the class.