"The other" Indianapolis Colts rookie linebacker is also expected to generate buzz during training camp.
The Indianapolis Colts selected two linebackers in this year's draft: CJ Allen in the second round and Bryce Boettcher in the fourth.
Allen has already essentially been written into the starting lineup as the new MIKE linebacker, drafted to replace Zaire Franklin. However, despite the Colts signing free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither, who played multiple years for Colts coaches Lou Anarumo and James Bettcher in Cincinnati, the rookie Boettcher may be too promising for the Colts to keep out of the starting lineup.
During the team's mandatory minicamp in June, Boettcher returned an interception for a touchdown on the first day and was regularly involved with the first-team defense throughout the week.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox took notice and declared Boettcher one of his most overlooked NFL rookies who could generate buzz during training camp.
"The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to bolster a defense that ranked 23rd overall last season," Knox wrote. "Most expect rookie first-round pick CJ Allen and second-round pick A.J. Haulcy to become big pieces of the equation.
"Compared to Allen and Haulcy, linebacker Bryce Boettcher was a bit of an afterthought during draft weekend. However, the fourth-round pick out of Oregon may already be pushing for a prominent rookie role...
"While Boettcher was an athletic two-sport athlete in college—he was drafted by the Houston Astros—he was forced to make his way onto the Ducks' football team as a walk-on," Knox continued. "His high motor and strong work ethic got him onto the field for Oregon, got him drafted in April, and should generate plenty of buzz in Colts camp."
Boettcher has clearly been standing out on the field, but his coaches have taken notice of the work and preparation off of it as well, which is the most direct way to earn playing time.
"You look at rookie mini camp, the first play, what does he do? He forces a fumble," Bettcher said. "That's Bryce, like a guy that's gonna be around the ball.
"He is really smart. Like, him and CJ, that's a really good combination. You know they're both like really engaged in the meeting room. Bryce fits right into that. That's his MO. He's a guy that, when you watch him play, you're like, 'That dude's gonna freaking knock someone out.' But then right after that, he's gonna go hug his teammate up because he cares about him."
Even if Boettcher doesn't become a starter immediately, he'll almost certainly maintain a role in sub-packages and on special teams (averaged 146 snaps per year at Oregon).
While it's not ideal to have two rookie linebackers on the field at the same time, sometimes the best players reveal themselves under unique circumstances.
