Jake Kradel didn’t hear his name called during the 2024 NFL Draft, but his football career isn’t done yet.
Kradel — a 6-foot-3, 295-pound offensive lineman from Butler, Pa. — received an invite to the Indianapolis Colts rookie minicamp, his agency, the LA Sports Group, announced on X (formerly known as Twitter).
He will be joined by former teammates Matt Goncalves (who was the Colts’ third round pick) and Malcolm Epps (who was also invited as an undrafted free agent).
Kradel spent six seasons at Pitt, and after he redshirted as a freshman in 2018, he started for the majority of five seasons on the interior of the offensive line. He played in 52 games, making 46 starts, during his time as a Panther.
“Coming out of high school, I wasn’t a very good football player, to be honest with you, and I’d say coach Borbs really took his time with me and developed me — honestly from the first day I stepped on campus until the last game, the Duke game, so I give him a lot of credit,” Kradel said after his Pro Day showing.
He went through a tough 2023 season, dealing with injuries and inconsistent play as he spent time at center and both guard spots. However, he flashed a style of grit and leadership throughout his career that could help him stick in the NFL — or another professional league.
“I love football, so any opportunity I can get, if it’s NFL or wherever, I’ll take it,” Kradel said. “As long as I can and hopefully get an opportunity in the league.”
There’s no guarantee that Kradel will stick with the Colts, but it’s an opportunity to continue his football career alongside a couple of friends and teammates.
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