Bryce Boettcher vying for starting role with Indianapolis Colts

Fourth-round rookies don’t often end up as starters to begin their first NFL season. Former Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher, however, could be bucking the trend.
Since being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in April, Boettcher has made a strong first impression in his short time with the franchise. The Colts lack in the middle of their defense at linebacker. After trading away a veteran tackler, the Colts added three new faces in the linebacker room, including Boettcher.
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Boettcher was thought to be a big contributor on special teams to start his NFL career, given his strong tackling ability and speed. However, his motor and ability to pick up Lou Anarumo’s defense in Indianapolis have him in line to compete for snaps as a starter on defense as a rookie.
“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,” ESPN Colts insider Stephen 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 has impressed during 7-on-7 drills, even snagging an interception in practice. If he keeps it up, the road to starting in Week 1 is not too complicated.
The Colts drafted Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in the second round, and he was immediately penciled in as a starter. He will slot in at MIKE in the middle of the defense. The Colts also signed veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither, and it appears Boettcher has found himself in a battle with him at the WILL linebacker spot.
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Davis-Gaither does have experience working with Anarumo, when the linebacker and defensive coordinator worked together with the Cincinnati Bengals. Boettcher’s athleticism and tackling ability make him a candidate to play both MIKE and WILL positions, and the versatility could see him get on the field more often.
In his hometown of Eugene, Boettcher pulled off the rare and impressive feat of starring in two sports at once with the Ducks. After winning a Gold Glove in center field with the Ducks on the baseball field and being drafted by the Houston Astros, Boettcher went on to lead Oregon’s defense in tackles in 2024 and 2025.
His senior season was a special one, as he ranked sixth nationally with 136 total tackles, the most by a Duck since Chris Cosgrove in 1979 and the eighth-most in a single season in program history. Boettcher added 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one interception and even a rushing touchdown on senior day.
A staple with the Ducks since Dan Lanning took over the program, Boettcher isn’t wasting any time making a name for himself in Indianapolis. He should get ample opportunities to prove himself during training camp and in the preseason before lining up on Sundays with the Colts, alongside former Oregon defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Bryce Boettcher vying for starting role with Indianapolis Colts
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