Forgotten piece can become a real contributor after unique trajectory took him from the Vols to the Packers
It may sound weird that a player who had zero defensive snaps in 2024, 1.58% of the team's special teams snaps, could become a winner of the draft—and the entire offseason process. But things change fast in the NFL, and cornerback Kamal Hadden can become a real contributor for the Green Bay Packers in 2025. […]
It may sound weird that a player who had zero defensive snaps in 2024, 1.58% of the team's special teams snaps, could become a winner of the draft—and the entire offseason process. But things change fast in the NFL, and cornerback Kamal Hadden can become a real contributor for the Green Bay Packers in 2025. The lack of additions and the numerous departures create a scenario where the former Tennessee Vols defensive back has a real shot at making the 53-man roster, and also at being on the field next season.
The Packers arguably already had a cornerback need last offseason, and the only move was drafting Kalen King in the seventh round. He spent the entire season on the practice squad. Alongside, though, was a player that had gone in the sixth round, but didn't make the 53-man roster nor the PS on the Kansas City Chiefs. Hadden was waived, cleared waivers, and got signed to the Packers' practice squad in late August.
Tennessee fans kind of had a love-hate relationship for a while with Kamal Hadden in 2023, but it started with frustration and went the other direction. He stood out for the wrong reason in a 29-16 loss to Florida, giving a questionable effort on a missed tackle on a long touchdown run and getting into a fight at the end of the game with a Gator lineman.
However, he had a pick six a couple of weeks later that helped put Tennessee in control in a key win over South Carolina, and his play took off from there until he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against Alabama. 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 year ago, the Chiefs took him with the 211th pick in the sixth round of the draft. It's unusual for a sixth-rounder to get cut and not even re-signed to the practice squad, though. According to Charles Goldman, Kansas City Chiefs beat writer and Co-Managing Editor at A to Z Sports, "his play on the field wasn't enough to distinguish him in a loaded group".
On the Packers, though, there were good reasons for optimism. Hadden apparently surpassed Kalen King on the depth chart and was elevated for the games against the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions. He only played seven special teams snaps, but served as depth. Later in the season, King also had an elevation (so they wouldn't run out of elevations for Hadden), but didn't even play.
Unaddressed need
Just like last year, the Packers had a cornerback need and didn't attack the position in the draft before the seventh round. This time around, they took Micah Robinson.
The problem for Green Bay is that the need now is more clear. The team added Nate Hobbs in free agency, yes, but lost Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell. Jaire Alexander is technically still on the roster, but he's expected to be traded or released at some point between now and Week 1.
With that in mind, there are only three locks at the position on the 53-man roster: Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine. If they keep five, two spots are open. And it's realistic that Hadden has a realistic chance to make it.
It will be a huge offseason for Hadden, and he can become a bigger part of Jeff Hafley's defense than he ever imagined.
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