Bryce Boettcher’s path to becoming an NFL draft prospect is not a typical one. The Oregon linebacker started his college career as a walk-on, but through hard work, leadership, and steady improvement, he developed into one of the team’s most reliable defenders and a leader. By the end of his college career, Boettcher earned multiple honors, including the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the best player in college football who began their career as a walk-on. His journey from an overlooked recruit to a respected defensive leader highlights both his determination and his football intelligence. Boettcher attended South Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon, where he was a multi-sport athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. On the football field, he was recognized as a three-star prospect by recruiting services and was ranked among the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. During his senior season, he earned first-team All-Midwestern League honors as a defensive back and honorable-mention all-league recognition as a quarterback. Despite his success in high school, Boettcher joined the University of Oregon Football Program as a walk-on in 2022. At Oregon, he continued to play baseball until he eventually developed into a key contributor at inside linebacker in 2024.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 233 pounds, he has an average-sized frame for the position, but he makes up for it with effort and competitiveness. Athletically, Boettcher is a solid player with good downhill burst when attacking the run. He can quickly trigger toward the line of scrimmage and fill his assigned run gaps. However, while he is a good athlete, he does not have elite speed or range compared to some linebackers at the next level. One of Boettcher’s strongest traits is his physical style of play. He is an aggressive and reliable tackler who uses proper technique and consistently wraps up ball carriers. His tackling ability allows him to limit missed tackles and finish plays effectively. However, because his frame is not the biggest for an NFL linebacker, stronger running backs may be able to push through tackles and gain extra yards after contact.
Mentally, Boettcher is considered a smart and tough player who understands defensive assignments. He generally knows his run fits and works well within the defensive scheme. His ability to process plays quickly helps him react and move downhill toward the football. That said, there are moments when he reacts rather than anticipates what the offense is doing, which can make him slightly slower to certain plays. Boettcher has also shown some struggles in pass coverage. While he has had some positive reps in zone coverage and recorded 10 pass breakups during his career, he does not always show a natural feel for routes developing behind him. Play-action passes can sometimes fool him, causing him to step forward and lose track of receivers moving into open space. In the NFL, he may also have difficulty matching up with faster tight ends and running backs in coverage and as a pass rusher, Boettcher was rarely asked to pressure the quarterback. He recorded only four sacks during his college career, which reflects his role more than his ability. Most of his pass-rush opportunities came on designed blitzes where he looped around blockers and attacked open lanes toward the quarterback.
Overall, Boettcher projects best as a WILL linebacker in an odd-front defensive scheme. In this role, defensive linemen can occupy blockers while allowing him to flow freely and attack the ball. His strengths in tackling, effort, and downhill burst would allow him to play aggressively in space while limiting the situations where he must take on larger offensive linemen directly. At the next level, Boettcher’s early impact will likely come on special teams. His toughness, tackling ability, and high motor make him a good candidate to contribute in kickoff and punt coverage units. With development and continued improvement, he could grow into a rotational linebacker and potentially become a league-average starter by his third season.
Because of his leadership, work ethic, and unique background as a former walk-on who earned major college awards, Boettcher is expected to draw interest from NFL teams late in the draft. His overall projection places him as a Day 3 selection, where teams will value his character, special teams ability, and potential to develop into a reliable contributor on defense.
Overall, Boettcher is a technically sound player who was a leader for the defense at Oregon. Multi-sport athlete whose athleticism shows up on film. He’s solid throughout, but he will need development and more time because of a lack of starts with Oregon at LB.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit: Will LB / Odd, Reacting Front defense
He would be best as a WILL LB, taking on responsibilities in coverage and being able to fly downhill. An odd front where bigger DL are asked to occupy space, read and react will be beneficial for him, as he wouldn’t have to take on blocks from climbing OL. I can see the Giants and Colts being teams that can use his skills with the fronts they like to use and the personnel they have.
NFL Player Comp: Cole Holcomb
Cole Holcomb is a similarly sized player who played WILL for the Commanders (at the time Redskins). He was a fifth round pick as well, which feels right where Bryce would go.
Projection: League Average Starter
Will get a lot of ST reps early on, right development can be a solid starter for a team. Special teamer in year 1, league average starter by year 3.
Grade and Round Projection: 3.5 curved grade / Day 3
Will get drafted for special teams experience, being a multi-sport athlete and his leadership skills. I gave him a 3.5 curved grade because I think he will be an impact player for his abilities on special teams from day 1.
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