Kansas City Chiefs rookie CB Kamal Hadden has got off to a good start with his new team.
The sixth-round draft pick is back healthy after a shoulder injury shortened his 2023 college football season — a season where he still managed the lowest (7.0) passer rating in the FBS. His start with Kansas City has earned the attention of his DB coach Dave Merritt, who compared the rookie to a former pupil of his who helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV.
"Then, of course, Kamal (Hadden) is another long athletic corner," Merritt told reporters last week. "He reminds me of (former Chiefs CB) Bashaud Breeland to be honest with you, a very physical guy."
Hadden's length and physicality are directly reminiscent of what Merritt saw from Breeland, but even how he's approaching the game in the classroom bears some similarities.
“Even his mentality, how he comes off," Merritt said. "(Bashaud) Breeland always wanted to know some of the little details, so he could get better. (Kamal) Hadden has that type of personality. It more so is what you just said, it’s more so the size and physicality. I’m excited to get my hands on him.”
Merritt aims to help Hadden achieve his goal of becoming a shutdown cornerback in the NFL. Right now, however, he says they're throwing a lot at the rookie defensive backs. They're challenged to just stay afloat with the overflow of information they're receiving during OTAs.
"These two guys (Kamal Hadden and Jaden Hicks), they’re just like Dory, they’re just swimming right now," Merritt joked. "‘Just keep swimming’"
Steve Spagnuolo praises Hadden for being loud
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's take on Hadden was also a welcomed one. He told reporters about his first impressions of Hadden from rookie minicamp, which had to do with him being a vocal player.
“When we had him in that first rookie camp, the first thing that stuck out (was) he’s not afraid to be loud," Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo said. "I like those guys. Now, he doesn’t know everything yet and it’s a little bit different. He made a couple of mistakes today, but I think he’s got some self-confidence about him — which you need at that position."
The Chiefs don't necessarily need their cornerbacks to be the most vocal from a schematic standpoint, but there is nothing wrong with some competitive fire and chirping. You always want the cornerbacks who think they're the best and can back it up with their play on the field.
"We’ll see where he is in terms of talent," Spags concluded. "Is it good enough to play at this level? We’ll find that out in training camp.”
