Kradel getting shot with Colts
BUTLER TWP — Jake Kradel has been given a shot — and he’s taking it.
The Butler graduate and versatile University of Pittsburgh offensive lineman has accepted an invitation to the Indianapolis Colts’ mini-camp next week after being bypassed in the NFL draft.
“I never expected to be drafted,” the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Kradel said. “I was hoping to get a chance as a non-drafted free agent or receive a mini-camp invite. When that happened, I jumped on it.
“The Colts called me after the seventh (and final) round and invited me to mini-camp. I accepted right away.”
Kradel received similar offers from the Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos after the draft, but he had already committed to Indianapolis.
The Colts’ mini-camp — consisting of rookies, non-drafted free agents and other invitees — runs from May 9-12.
“The weekend involves meetings, taking a physical and practices,” Kradel said. “I received the invite because of my body of work over five years at Pitt. They know all about me. Now they want to see how I measure up, whether they believe I can play at that level. It’s up to me to prove that I can.”
Kradel played in 52 games overall at Pitt, starting 46 of them. He missed three games because of injury last year, but started three games at center and the final five games of the season at guard. He was moved due to other injuries along the offensive line.
Kradel has played offensive tackle as well.
“I think my versatility up front is a plus for me,” he said. “I can play virtually anywhere.”
The Colts drafted one of Kradel’s Pitt teammates — tackle Matt Goncalves — in the third round. They also took versatile Wisconsin lineman Tanor Bortolini in the fourth round.
Kradel expressed excitement over going to the same mini-camp as Goncalves. Kradel participated in Pitt’s pro day and the University of Buffalo’s pro day prior to the draft.
“Matt and I can help each other there,” he said of the Colts’ camp. “It’s a big plus having a familiar face go through this with you. Hopefully, we’ll both find a way to make it through and get on the roster.”
When the weekend’s over, Kradel doesn’t expect to have to wait long to learn of his fate with the Colts.
“I’ll probably know before I get home that (Sunday) night,” he said. “They will be convinced by then whether I’m good enough or whether I’m not.”
If he does not land a spot on the Colts’ training camp roster, Kradel says he will look for another opportunity.
“My agent will call back some of those other teams that expressed interest,.” he said. “I’ll keep looking around. I believe I can play at the next level and my versatility is a plus. I’m going to do all I can to prove that.”
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