Four practices into training camp, Bryce Boettcher is already making himself part of the conversation at linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts.
The rookie, a Day 3 draft pick, has kept earning work with the first unit after seeing chances there during offseason programs, when Indianapolis was rotating heavily at the position. That continued early in camp, and it has only become more relevant with CJ Allen and Akeem Davis-Gaither both missing time.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo likes what he’s seeing so far.
"Another young guy who is learning," said defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, "but I think he is very intentional about what he does. You hear about boxers where they're heavy-handed.
He's a heavy-handed guy. When he hits you, you can feel it.
I think he'll continue to shine when the pads come up."
Boettcher’s college production helps explain why the Colts are giving him a real look. At Oregon, he logged more than 1,200 snaps over the last two seasons, including nearly 800 in 2025. He was steady as a tackler across that stretch and graded well in PFF’s metrics.
He also showed he could affect passing plays. Last season, he allowed only 6.0 yards per catch while picking off one pass and breaking up three more.
Earlier this offseason, Colts linebackers coach James Bettcher described him as a player who operates with his hair on fire and is "fast, violent, (and) physical."
For now, Allen is expected to open at MIKE linebacker, while Boettcher and Davis-Gaither battle for the WILL spot next to him.
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Bryce Boettcher Is Making The Colts Face A Tough Camp Decision
A rookie linebacker is turning a quiet training camp competition into one of the Colts more interesting decisions. Bryce Boettcher has stood out during offseason work and camp, drawing notice from coaches for the way he plays physically and attacks the job, enough to put himself squarely in the conversation for a starting role.
The challenge for Indianapolis is that the path is not exactly clear-cut. Boettcher is trying to break through against a veteran with more NFL experience and a built-in edge from working with the defensive coordinator, so the Colts are weighing upside against familiarity as camp moves along. Coaches clearly like what Boettcher has shown, but the job is still there to be won. [Read more 🡒]
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The extension gives Taylor added security and gives the Colts a clearer path forward with the core they want in place. It also signals just how highly the team values his role among NFL running backs, even in a league that often treats the position differently from year to year. For Indianapolis, this is less about making a splash than about drawing a line around who it wants to build around now and into the next phase. [Read more 🡒]