Thanks to the Chiefs, the Packers' secondary just got even better.
Green Bay Packers fans are still perplexed by the team's decision to waive Anthony Johnson Jr. during roster cutdowns. However, they have now benefitted from a similarly baffling move by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The New York Giants claimed Johnson on waivers. Only 27 players were claimed around the NFL, but three were former Packers—Royce Newman and Grant DuBose also found new teams.
Kansas City surprisingly cut sixth-round pick Kamal Hadden, a cornerback out of Tennessee.
After Hadden cleared waivers, the Chiefs doubled down by not re-signing him to their practice squad. Their loss was the Packers' gain.
Packers sign promising cornerback Kamal Hadden to practice squad
The Packers announced they have signed Hadden to their practice squad, and it's a smart decision.
He had an outstanding final season at Tennessee. Per PFF, Hadden allowed a passer rating of only 7.0 in his coverage while earning a 90.4 coverage grade. He broke up eight passes and intercepted three. One of Hadden's strengths is press coverage, making him a good fit for Jeff Hafley's scheme.
According to Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports, Hadden only allowed 12 catches for 96 yards (on 33 targets) last season, with no touchdowns and three interceptions.
With a Relative Athletic Score of 7.48 out of 10, it's hardly surprising Hadden was on the Packers' radar.
Green Bay has a good track record of developing young cornerbacks. Last year's seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine had an excellent rookie season and started 12 games. Rookie Kalen King showed flashes of potential over the summer and almost made the 53-man roster. He will continue his development on the practice squad.
Hadden now gets the same opportunity. It's surprising the Chiefs didn't sign him to their practice squad and gave up on a draft pick so soon.
The rookie likely won't feature in Hafley's defense just yet. He needs time, but it's clear Hadden has talent. Kansas City moved on, but the sixth-round pick has the chance to reach his potential in Green Bay.
