Former Tennessee Vol earns NFL crown during his team’s blowout win over hated rival
Kamal Hadden is making plays in the pros right now.
Kamal Hadden played his first defensive snaps for the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. His team dominated the Minnesota Vikings en route to a blowout win, and the defense stymied their rival at every turn.
The young defender played a role in that, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was incredibly positive regarding Hadden’s performance after the game.
“It’s an outstanding job. I’m really, really, really proud of their efforts. Kamal, I would say this about Kamal. Kamal has made as much progress as any player that we’ve had here. Just to see where he’s come from to where he is now. And I think it’s totally reflective in terms of how he’s approached coming in the building on a daily basis. He practices the right way. He approaches it the right way. I’m really proud of him.”
I discussed Hadden’s role and potential in the NFL with the Packers with our own GB beat here at A to Z. He revealed some notable pieces to the puzzle that project more opportunities for the youthful defender.
“Kamal Hadden fought for a roster spot in training camp and was able to beat former draft picks Kalen King and Micah Robinson to secure his place on the 53-man roster.
However, cornerback is a full-time position, and the Packers have primarily used Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Nate Hobbs, with safety Javon Bullard in the slot.
With Hobbs missing the last few games and Nixon leaving the Vikings game early with a stinger, Green Bay was finally forced to test the depth, which has been a major topic of conversation since the offseason.
Valentine traveled with Justin Jefferson for the most part, giving Hadden some protection. But the Vikings still have Jordan Addison and other intriguing offensive weapons, and Hadden was extremely solid. Matt LaFleur talked about how impressive his development has been since he joined the Packers, and that’s exactly what the team needs after betting so heavily on what it already has at the cornerback position.” — Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports
Hadden had a mixed bag of results during his time with the Vols, but his performances in the pros so far foreshadow some success ahead. There will be plenty of Tennessee fans rooting for him while eh plays a key role for the depth of the secondary in Green Bay.
“Per PFF, he posted a catch allowed percentage of just 36.4% (12 catches on 33 targets) with an opposing passer rating of 7.0 in 184 coverage snaps in 2023. His tackling could use some improvement though. He had two seasons of three with a 17.2% or higher missed tackle rate.” — A to Z Sports
Only time will tell if Hadden carves out a long-term role in the pros, but his impact currently is quite important for one of the top teams in the NFC playoff picture.
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