Chiefs Draft: Tennessee CB Kamal Hadden brings playmaking ability

On day three of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defensive backfield by selecting standout cornerback Kamal Hadden from the University of Tennessee with their sixth-round pick (211th overall).

While other teams are hesitant to sign him due to his injury history, Kansas City is taking advantage of Hadden's physical attributes, athleticism and impressive playmaking abilities.

“[From] “The moment I got drafted, I’m just so grateful,” Hadden noted in his first meeting with Kansas City reporters Saturday. “I want to thank the man above – thank God – for giving me this opportunity. It was just a real blessing for me, for my family, for everyone.”

A native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Hadden began his college career in 2019 playing for Independence Community College in Kansas. In his first season he had 21 tackles, one interception and eight pass breakups. After missing a season in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hadden transferred to the University of Tennessee.

Over three seasons with the Volunteers, Hadden was one of the best players in the secondary, making full use of his 6-foot-3 frame. In 2023, he did not allow any touchdown passes as he led the team with eight pass breakups and three interceptions.

“I feel like my best attribute at all times is my playing ability,” he explained. “I feel like I can be someone who can change the game with a quick turnover.”

Even when he has a bad game, 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 competing against someone else… I just feel like that's my best quality.”

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

“The shoulder is great,” he explained. “I feel like I'm doing really well. I feel like I'm at a point where I can keep up – [where] I can go out there and do my thing. My shoulder is whole [to] a point where it has to be.”

Hadden's selection — along with Kansas City's acquisition of Washington State safety Jaden Hicks in the fourth round — becomes part of an interesting trend for the Chiefs. For the third straight year, the franchise has added multiple defensive backs. The strength of the secondary has been a key part of the Chiefs' defensive success in 2023 – and the team hopes its newest additions to the back end will continue that trend.

“I think I’m a good fit for the Chiefs,” Hadden said. “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 there – a great organization. I just think I can come in and help a little bit.”