Once training camp arrives, a “surprise” starter could emerge on defense for the Indianapolis Colts.
Throughout the defensive side of the ball, the Colts experienced heavy roster turnover this offseason, but linebacker may have seen the most.
Zaire Franklin and Germain Pratt, who led the team in snaps at the position in 2025, are no longer on the team. Presumably, CJ Allen is going to be the new MIKE linebacker for the Colts, but the starting spot next to him is very much up for grabs.
The Colts gave several players the opportunity to get reps with the ones during offseason programs, including Akeem Davis-Gaither, who is experienced and played under Lou Anarumo previously, along with Jaylon Carlies, a fairly recent draft pick.
But also in that mix is fourth-round rookie Bryce Boettcher, who, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, saw a “significant” amount of snaps with the starters.
“In a surprise addition to the list, fourth-round choice Bryce Boettcher took a significant number of snaps with the starting defense during last week’s minicamp,” Holder wrote. “He could make a legitimate push to start in a linebacking unit that lacks depth and is ripe for newcomers to emerge.”
Boettcher played over 1,200 snaps the last two seasons at Oregon, including nearly 800 in 2025. He’s been a reliable tackler during the span, allowing him to grade out well by PFF’s metrics.
That ability also helped him limit plays in the passing game, surrendering just 6.0 yards per catch last season, along with forcing an interception and three pass breakups.
The Colts view Boettcher as a defender who can play both the MIKE and WILL linebacker positions.
“A blue card guy for us, a really special dude,” GM Chris Ballard said after the NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts insider identifies potential ‘surprise’ starter on defense
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
