In 4th season with Steelers, Pine-Richland alum Kevin Rader works way into role

Because of where he grew up, Kevin Rader knows his way around Pittsburgh better than most of his Steelers teammates.

Because of how long he has stuck in the organization, few on the team know their way around UPMC Rooney Sports Complex better than Rader, either.

A Pine-Richland alumnus, the 27-year-old Rader is about to embark on his fourth training camp with the Steelers. Only seven players on the 90-man roster joined the organization before he did (via a Jan. 9, 2019, reserve/future contract).

“Crazy to say that,” Rader said when reminded of his four-year tenure with the Steelers.

Four years ago, it might have been crazier to suggest an undrafted free-agent tight end from Youngstown State might make it as an NFL regular. But that’s how far Rader has come with the Steelers. By the end of last season, Rader had “earned a hat” as a gameday activation for six of the Steelers’ final seven games (including the playoffs). And after an offseason in which veteran Eric Ebron was allowed to leave via free agency and the Steelers added no other veterans at the position, it would seem as if a season-opening 53-man roster spot is there for the taking for Rader.

“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 said during organized team activities earlier this summer. “I have been working my (butt) off this offseason, really, on route-running and catching more footballs than I probably have in my entire life. And I think it’s paying off right now.”

To say the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Kevin Rader is the dark horse in the #Steelers tight end competition is a bit of an understatement https://t.co/oeqYG22pLl

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) August 15, 2019

Pat Freiermuth looks like a future standout at tight end for the Steelers, and they have a complementary No. 2 in Zach Gentry. Converted college running back Connor Heyward was added as a sixth-round pick, but Rader long has been admired by Steelers coaches for his blocking and willingness to be coached.

It’s enough to earn an NFL job as a TE3 or TE4, but Rader wants to be more than a blocking tight end.

“I envision myself as a complete tight end,” he said, “but in the past, I have been viewed as strictly a 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 has two catches for 8 yards over 54 offensive snaps during regular-season and playoff games. While he wasn’t a huge receiving weapon in college, he had a 100-yard receiving game at Heinz Field (playing for Youngstown State in an overtime loss against Pitt in 2017). Rader also had a clutch reception in college when, with 1 second left in the 2016 FCS semifinals, his 4-yard catch beat Eastern Washington.

Rader said his speed has improved, and he is a smarter player than he was upon arriving with the Steelers after spending the 2018 training camp with the Green Bay Packers.

“My body right now is in better shape than it ever has been,” said Rader, who still lives in the area.

Rader probably won’t become an elite receiving threat in the pros, but that doesn’t mean he can’t hold down regular work for the Steelers. Gentry, who has played with Rader for three-plus years, said he has seen Rader’s game improve “a ton.”

“We have been right next to each other the whole way, and it’s been crazy because he’s a local kid, and so it’s great to see the way he’s developed,” Gentry said. “You see how much he has developed in the running game and the passing game. It’s awesome.”

A young 27 years old with regard to NFL experience, Rader has the look of a savvy veteran on the field.

“I am doing my thinking differently,” Rader said. “I hear the play call now, and I’m just looking at different stuff and not thinking. … Everything is more instinctive within the offense. For sure, I am definitely more comfortable. I know what I need to do, and I know I can do it.”

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.