The Indianapolis Colts invested most of their offseason resources on the defensive side of the field, and it might not be long before they reap what they sowed. Rookie second-round pick CJ Allen is expected to be their green-dot, MIKE linebacker, but he's not the only first-year player who might make a big impact right out of the gate.
The Colts' decision to take Brye Boettcher in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft was somewhat polarizing. It's not that he wasn't an intriguing prospect, but he wasn't the highest-ranked linebacker available at the time.
However, he didn't need much time to prove the doubters wrong and show why this team was so high on him. As Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports turned heads at minicamp with a big-time interception in 7-on-7 drills.
Bryce Boettcher might be a day 1 starter for the Indianapolis Colts
"Bryce Boettcher with good/great play in 7 on 7. Good play: drop into coverage for INT. great play: headed upfield and avoided owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon," Chappel shared on X.
Of course, people shouldn't get their hopes up after an interception in early June in 7-on-7 and against a backup quarterback. That said, Boettcher's case to start next to Allen goes way beyond that one play.
Reports from rookie minicamp and OTAs have been encouraging. He may not be the most polished player after starting his collegiate career in baseball, but he has strong instincts, a work ethic, and unmatched toughness. He knows he has to prove himself in every play, and that's exactly what he's done so far.
The Colts lost Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt this offseason. And their depth at linebacker is suspect at best. Besides Allen and Boettcher, they have newcomer Akeem Davis-Gaither, who's already familiar with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, undrafted free agents West Weeks and Tahj Chambers, and Austin Ajiake and Jaylon Carlies.
That leaves the door wide open for the rookie fourth-round pick to carve himself a big role right out of the gate, especially if the Colts only carry four linebackers on their 53-man roster like they did last season. He might be able to bring some value in special teams as well, so he should find ways to get on the field as often as he can handle.
Boettcher is a bit raw, but getting him reps is the only way to solve that. The upside and determination are there, and the Colts don't have that many options. So, barring a shocking turn of events, he'll be Lou Anarumo's starting strong-side linebacker when they take the field on September 13 to host the Baltimore Ravens.
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