Ranking the Chiefs' Three Best Draft Picks (and Two Worst)
By Joe Summers
3. Kamal Hadden - Cornerback, Tennessee (6th Round)
I wouldn't argue with anyone who'd want to highlight BYU OL KIngsley Suamataia here instead, as he's a bonafide first-round value that Kansas City poached at the end of the second. However, I'd be remiss not to mention how much I love the potential for Kamal Hadden in Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
Brett Veach and the Chiefs have made a killing finding mid-to-late-round cornerback prospects, from L'Jarius Sneed to Rashad Fenton to Joshua Williams to Chamarri Conner to Jaylen Watson. Hadden has the chance to be next in line alongside Jaden Hicks with excellent versatility and impressive advanced metrics.
As a bonus, he's essentially a Sneed clone from a physical standpoint.
Kamal Hadden is the photo of a cornerback that comes in frames that Brett Veach buys.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) April 27, 2024
L'Jarius Sneed combine: 6' 1/2" 192 pounds, 31 3/8" arms, 10-yard split 1.51
Kamal Hadden pro day: 6' 1", 192 pounds 31 3/8" arms, 10-yard split 1.51
Hadden has a long way to go before reaching Sneed's level, though I'm comfortable just assuming Spagnuolo will find a way to get tangible production out of Hadden within a couple of seasons.
He had the lowest passer rating when targeted of any qualified CB in the country in 2023, surrendering just 12 catches on 33 targets. Injury concerns caused him to fall in the draft, but he insists he's healthy.
If Hadden's injuries are behind him, this will be one of the best values in the draft. Now, let's take a look at the two worst picks starting on the next page.