From walk-on to NFL, former Oregon Duck Bryce Boettcher ignites passion on the gridiron, chosen by the Colts to bolster their defense.
The Oregon Ducks have been well represented in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It was no surprise that tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman were taken in the first round. Both players received major buzz during the pre-draft process.
The Ducks saw another former player taken in Day 3, and it comes from the defensive side of the ball.
The Indianapolis Colts took linebacker Bryce Boettcher in the fourth round of the draft. The former walk-on has made it to the NFL.
Boettcher will add key depth for a Colts team that needs to make a playoff push in 2026.
Boettcher recorded 136 tackles and two forced fumbles last season.
Scouting Report
Lance Zierlein of NFL media suggested Boettcher would be a fourth-round pick. He thinks the linebacker's competitive nature will help him succeed at the NFL level.
"Two-sport standout at Oregon who passed on a chance to start his baseball career, choosing to pursue an NFL opportunity instead," Zierlein wrote. "The former walk-on plays like the chip never left his shoulder. He’s fearless in his downhill approach, which leads to feast-or-famine results in the run game.
"His size, speed, and athleticism are average, but his competitive will and motor cover some of that up. Boettcher profiles as an NFL backup, but his special-teams talent could be his ticket to a higher draft slotting."
The Indianapolis Colts gain a 2-sport athlete
The Houston Astros selected Boettcher in the MLB draft. During the NFL Combine, Boettcher said the Astros were understanding of his desire to pursue a football career.
Football is his passion, and it makes him feel more "alive" than baseball does.
"Well, that's a big question, you know, baseball or football? Are you a baseball guy or a football guy?" Boettcher said, via 247 Sports. "And it's football, you know, football is my passion. I love it. I can’t hit anyone on the baseball field.
"I love baseball, but, you know, this game makes me feel alive. And, you know, there's a reason I'm here."
The Colts will hope that Boettcher can develop into a key part of the linebacker rotation. His passion to get better at football should aid him in developing in Indianapolis.