There could be another rookie starting in the Indianapolis Colts' defense in 2026.
The Indianapolis Colts set out to get younger, faster, and more athletic on their defense this offseason, particularly in the front seven.
They ousted much of their previous linebacker corps, as starters Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt were shown the door. Eventually, the Colts signed free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither to be a likely starter, while they looked for his running mate in the draft.
As it turns out, the Colts not only found Davis-Gaither's running mate in the second round in CJ Allen, but they may have also picked the guy who knocks Davis-Gaither out of the starting lineup in the fourth round in Bryce Boettcher.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski went around the NFL and found six rookies who could become surprise starters by year's end, and Boettcher made the cut:
"The idea of Boettcher impressing early shouldn't be surprising whatsoever," Sobleski wrote. "He's an outstanding athlete, also being selected in the 2024 MLB draft by the Houston Astros. His 136 total tackles led the Big Ten Conference last season on his way to being named a first-team All-American.
"A smaller frame and questionable play-strength held Boettcher back throughout this year's draft process. However, his intelligence, on-field communication, quick trigger, and tackling make him the exact type of linebacker who can break into the lineup and create an early impact.
"The Colts emphasized getting faster and more athletic on defense this offseason—which became a clear priority during the draft," Sobleski continued. "At some point, Indianapolis will likely have both of their rookie linebackers starting during the upcoming season, with (Allen) and Boettcher forming what could be a talented duo for years to come."
It was apparent early after the Colts drafted Boettcher that they were high on him throughout the draft process and were ecstatic to get him. During the offseason program, Colts linebacker coach James Bettcher (no relation) spoke about his new rookie.
"The thing that everybody loves about Bryce is when you watch this tape at Oregon, you saw the edge, the way the guy played the game, like hair on fire, fast, violent, physical," Bettcher said. "Then you look at rookie mini camp, the first play, what does he do? He forces a fumble. 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," Boettcher continued. "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.
"And as you get to know him, you can really feel that about him. On the personal side, he's very genuine and sincere, but then also very intentional and diligent in his work."
Throughout the practices that the media were able to observe during OTAs and mandatory minicamp in May and June, Boettcher stood out.
Not only did he have an interception he returned for a touchdown during the first day of minicamp, but he was noticeably involved with the first-team defense throughout the week.
While it's speculation on the outside that Boettcher will be starting at some point in 2026, the Colts may already be developing their preference.
