2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Jake Kradel, OL, Pittsburgh

Jake Kradel has been an effective interior lineman for Pittsburgh over the past few years, showing the versatility to play guard and center. Hula Bowl scout Tully Hannah breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Kradel as an NFL Prospect in this article.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Jake Kradel, #53
School (Code)	PAPT
DOB, Class Yr	8/3/1999, Redshirt Senior
Height, Weight	6033, 304
40 Yd Dash	5.35
Arms, Hands	3100, 0914
Position/Depth	RG, Starter
Honors/Captainship	2019 ACC All-Academic Team
Season Viewed (yr)	Senior
Games Watched	Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, West Virginia
Scout Name / Date	Tully Hannah / 10/25/2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	7 GP, 494 snaps
2021	10 GP, 731 snaps
2020	8 GP, 605 snaps
2019	11 GP, 592 snaps
2018	redshirted

Player Summary:

Jake Kradel is a Right Guard who also has experience playing center during the 2022 season. Kradel does not have ideal size for a guard, being below the NFL average in height, weight, and arm length. He uses these deficiencies to his advantage as he gets great leverage in the run game. Kradel explodes out his stance and is constantly looking for a block. He uses his great vision to chip off a double team and pick up second level blocks easily. In the run game, Kradel has a great feel for the flow of the play. He engages defenders well and drives his feet. He uses his feel for the game to understand when to let go of blocks in pursuit of the next block, sometimes a tad bit too early. Kradel moves well in pass pro, but has a tendency to over-extend against hybrid defensive tackles who can get better leverage against him. Kradel also has exceptional fundamentals. His footwork is great in both run and pass pro. He needs to work on using his hands more to be capable at the next level given his frame.

Scheme Fit:

Zone Blocking

Power Statement:

Jake Kradel maximizes his skillset despite being undersized for the position. He has a great feel for the blocking game and has above-average leverage. In the passing game, he can overextend which allows speedy players to get underneath him. Kradel could be an above-average backup in the NFL with his great fundamentals having the ability to play guard and center.