Needing to reshape the linebacker position, not long after drafting CJ Allen, Indianapolis Colts’ GM Chris Ballard selected Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher.
Boettcher played over 1,200 snaps the last two seasons, 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.
“I think Chris has talked about it too,” said Colts scout Kasia Omilian, “wanting to make the locker room edge year, wanting to improve toughness, wanting to improve competitiveness, right? He does that. He fits all three categories with the way he prepares, but also the way he plays the game.”
Linebacker was a position that was short on experience, so the addition of Boettcher improves the depth of this unit. Omilian says that Boettcher’s instincts allow him to play both the MIKE and WILL linebacker positions.
That said, given that the Colts drafted Allen, Boettcher’s path to playing time as a rookie will likely come with competing for the WILL linebacker role with Akeem Davis-Gaither.
“I think the instincts are the best in terms of what he does,” Omilian added. “They redeem a lot. and I think his buy into special teams early on in his career has already shown that, but what that projects to for us in the league and for us specifically is a big part of what’s going to cause him to succeed.”
Boettcher will also be able to help on special teams, having played 584 career snaps across five of the six different phases.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ scout evaluates LB Bryce Boettcher pick in 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
