The Pittsburgh Steelers love bringing in Pittsburgh area football players and giving them a chance to shine on the biggest football stage in the world. Former Pine-Richland and Youngstown State tight end, Kevin Rader is the perfect example of that, but has put in the work to stick around.
Rader is now entering his fourth year in the black and gold, and has really only gotten to show his abilities through special teams and the third tight end spot on the roster.
Rader is an unbelievable blocker for the Steelers
Rader's blocking is what he was known for coming out of Youngstown State, especially within the offensive line on bunch and multiple tight end formations. He was a complete tight end, which is what he is trying to turn himself into now.
"I envision myself as a complete tight end," Rader told Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "But in the past, I have been viewed as a strictly blocking tight end and special teams guy. I am trying to change that mold to be more versatile and be used more in the offense," Rader admitted.
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) before an NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs on Dec 26, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
His special teams play has certainly gotten the attention of Steelers coaches, and his dedication to them on top of the willingness he has to be coached and do whatever the team needs could be why he is heading into his fourth year with the team.
It will be harder this year for Rader to crack the roster. The team drafted Connor Heyward in the sixth round out of Michigan State and still have Pat Freiermuth and former Michigan tight end, Zach Gentry. He has the NFL experience, with over 100 snaps to his name. He played in six games in 2021, which was a career best, and made the most of every opportunity he got.
"I saw an opportunity for playing time at the end of last year, and now I am going into this year wanting to build off that," Rader continued. "I have been working my butt off this off-season on route-running and catching more footballs than I probably have in my entire life. And I think it is paying off." Rader said.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 03: Kevin Rader #87 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles D'Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns after a kickoff in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Rader had just two catches for 8 yards before 2021, which are not numbers that jump off the stat sheet whatsoever. Furthermore, with there only being three preseason games this season, there is less opportunity for Rader to show off his off-season work and prove he can be the third tight end on the roster.
He already has solid hands and can be a big target in coverage because of his tight end build, but getting the opportunity to prove himself is key. With the offense expecting to open up under a second year of Matt Canada, the tight ends could be seeing more significant roles, which is all Rader needs to prove his worth to the Steelers.
What do you think, #SteelerNation? Do you think Kevin Rader can be more than a TE3 for the Steelers? Do you like or dislike how the Steelers bring in local high school or college guys to give them shots to make the roster? Who do you think will come out of training camp with the backup tight end spots? Let me know in the comments or @anthonyravasio on Twitter.
