Colts add LB Bryce Boettcher in 4th, Oregon product with 269 career tackles.

The Indianapolis Colts continued to bolster their linebacker corps in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher with the 135th overall pick, adding to the recently drafted CJ Allen (53rd overall). Boettcher finished his college career with the Ducks after recording 269 tackles, 16 for loss, 4 sacks, and 10 pass deflections over four seasons, and he posted a 73.3 overall grade in the 2025 season according to Pro Football Focus. Notably, he is known for strong coverage skills, posting a 73.3 coverage grade and a 69.3 passer rating when targeted, highlighting his potential to contribute in pass defense and special teams.

Analysts view Boettcher as a potential NFL backup with strong competitive drive, athleticism, and a downhill, fearless running style that can produce mixed results in the run game. He is praised for his special-teams value, which could help him secure a spot on the Colts’ roster and possibly rise in role with development. Boettcher joins fellow Oregon draftee CJ Allen to help address the Colts’ need to refresh the front seven and improve in coverage, especially after parting ways with linebackers who underperformed in coverage.

Key takeaways:
– Boettcher selected 135th overall by the Colts, adding to the linebacker group alongside CJ Allen.
– College stats: 269 tackles, 16 for loss, 4 sacks, 10 pass deflections; 73.3 PFF grade in 2025; strong coverage ability.
– NFL profile: could serve as a valuable backup with potential special-teams impact; fits Colts’ objective to get younger and faster on defense.
– Context: Boettcher and Allen aim to fill voids left by Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt, contributing to Indianapolis’ strategic youth movement on defense.