Colts roster preview: Can LB Bryce Boettcher earn starting role?
· Yahoo Sports
Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts' full 90-man roster, previewing each player.
Visit freshyourfeel.com for more information.
Up next is rookie linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who wears No. 50.
Profile
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 230
- Age: 24
- NFL experience: Rookie
- College: Oregon
Bryce Boettcher's tenure with the Colts
The Colts selected Boettcher in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft out of Oregon.
What to know about 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.
"The thing that everybody loves about Bryce is when you watched his tape at Oregon, you saw the edge, the way the guy played the game, like hair on fire, fast, violent, physical," Colts LB coach James Bettcher said during offseason programs. "Then you look at rookie minicamp, the first play, what does he do? He forces a fumble at rookie minicamp. That's Bryce. Like a guy that's gonna be around the ball. He is really smart. Him and CJ, that's a really good combination."
Looking ahead to 2026 for Bryce Boettcher
With CJ Allen presumably starting at the MIKE linebacker position for the Colts, what the team must determine during training camp and the preseason is who will be starting alongside of him. Boettcher is very much in the mix for that role.
Following offseason programs, ESPN's Stephen Holder wrote that Boettcher could make a "legitimate push to start."
In addition to Boettcher, Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies saw snaps with the ones this offseason as well.
Whether starting at linebacker or providing depth, Boettcher could also factor quite heavily on special teams, potentially contributing across multiple phases.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: Can LB Bryce Boettcher earn starting role?