Sixth-round corner Kamal Hadden brings playmaking ability to Chiefs’ secondary

Kansas City’s newest rookie corner discusses what he feels is his best strength entering the NFL.

On Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defensive backfield by using their sixth-round pick (211th overall) to select standout cornerback Kamal Hadden from the University of Tennessee.

While his injury history made other teams hesitant to acquire him, Kansas City is banking on the upside of Hadden’s physical traits, athleticism and impressive playmaking ability.

“[From] the moment I was drafted, I’m just so thankful,” Hadden remarked during his first meeting with Kansas City reporters on Saturday. “I want to thank the man above — thank God — to get me to this opportunity. It was just a real blessing for me, for my family, for everybody.”

A native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Hadden began his collegiate career in 2019, playing for Independence Community College in Kansas. In his first season, he racked up 21 tackles, an interception and eight pass breakups. After sitting out a season in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hadden joined the University of Tennessee.

Over three seasons with the Volunteers, Hadden was one of the secondary’s best players, taking full advantage of his 6-foot-1 frame. In 2023, he allowed no touchdown passes as he led the team with eight pass breakups and three interceptions.

“I feel like my best trait is my playmaking ability at all given times,” he explained. “I feel like I can be a guy that can change the game with a quick turnover.”

Even when coming off a bad play, Hadden believes in himself.

“I feel like I can come back and do it again. I feel like I can always give my fair share when I’m going against somebody else… I just feel like that’s my best attribute.”

But Hadden can’t make plays from the sideline. He started seven games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury during Tennessee’s game against Alabama. While the injury made him fall in the draft, Hadden is ready to put it behind him.

“The shoulder is great,” he declared. “I feel like I’m real good. I feel like I’m to a point where I can compete — [where] I can go out there and do my thing. My shoulder is all the way [to] a point where it needs to be.”

Hadden’s selection — alongside Kansas City’s fourth-round acquisition of Washington State safety Jaden Hicks — becomes part of an interesting trend for the Chiefs. For the third consecutive year, the franchise has drafted multiple defensive backs. The secondary’s depth was a significant part of the Chiefs’ defensive success in 2023 — and the team is hoping their newest additions to the back end will continue that trend.

“I think I fit well with the Chiefs,” said Hadden. “I’m a guy that can come in, compete and make plays. I can bring a lot of energy to this defense.

“They have a great team over there — a great organization going. I just think I can come in and help a little bit.”