Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher is projected to be drafted between the third and seventh rounds in the 2026 NFL Draft. He led the Ducks in tackles for two seasons and is viewed as a potential depth linebacker and special teams player.
Key points
Bryce Boettcher led Oregon Ducks in tackles for two seasons
Projected draft range is third to seventh round
Recorded 136 tackles last season, ranking sixth nationally
Teams view him as depth linebacker and special teams player
The Oregon Ducks could see eight or more former players drafted to the next level once the 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23. While the Ducks could see two or three players drafted in the first round, many are expected to come off the board on the second or third days of the event.
Bryce Boettcher won't be a first-rounder, but his draft projections range anywhere from the third round to a sleeper pick in the seventh round. The local Eugene kid turned into a star in his final two seasons with the Ducks, leading the team in tackles in both seasons. He tallied 136 tackles last season, which ranked sixth nationally.
While Boettcher's draft range is a bit unpredictable, teams are certainly interested in the two-sport star, who was drafted by the Houston Astros as a center fielder back in 2024. What Boettcher lacks in size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds), he makes up for in athleticism and pure intensity on the field. Teams likely view Boettcher as depth at linebacker and a special teams player as a rookie, similar to how his career began at Oregon as a walk-on.
Let's take a look at which teams might be the perfect fit for Boettcher once next month's draft rolls around.
Washington Commanders
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Analysis: The Commanders haven't resigned future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner yet, and odds are they might not. They already signed Leo Chenal in free agency to be their new tackling machine in the middle of the defense, though he is more of a coverage linebacker. Why can't Boettcher sit back and learn from a guy who has already been part of Super Bowl-winning defenses in Kansas City? There are also plenty of aggressive rushing teams in the NFC East, and the Commanders should be blitzing more often under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, which plays into Boettcher's strengths. Washington's defense will look a lot different next season under new leadership, so there's a better chance than usual that a newcomer could come in and snag a role right away, either on defense or on special teams.
Denver Broncos
Dec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) celebrates defeating the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) celebrates defeating the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Analysis: Denver has dipped into the well at Oregon several times in the past. Bo Nix, Troy Franklin and Alex Forsyth all featured on the offense last season, and the Broncos have already hosted Emmanuel Pregnon for a visit before the draft. The pipeline is very real, and Boettcher could be the latest. The Broncos already have established starters in Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, but they have also seen late-round picks blossom into impactful player very quickly. Denver could be the perfect spot for Boettcher to develop his athleticism and grow into a capable depth piece for the Broncos' defense. He has upside as a blitzer for the Broncos and could work himself into the mix after Singleton's contract ends.
Los Angeles Rams
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Nate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammates Kamren Kinchens #26 and Omar Speights #48 after catching an interception during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Nate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammates Kamren Kinchens #26 and Omar Speights #48 after catching an interception during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Analysis: Boettcher could be a fit in Los Angeles simply because the Rams have already found success at linebacker with a similar type of player. Nate Landman isn't a massive, hulking linebacker, but he plays aggressively downhill in the box and led the team with 132 tackles last season. The Rams are quite savvy with their selections, often relying on a specific trait to carry a prospect past their shortcomings. The Rams could use more depth at linebacker, and Boettcher fits the mold that Sean McVay and the Rams like to use defensively. I could see the Rams taking a chance on Boettcher in the fourth round, if he's available.
New England Patriots
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (14) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (14) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Analysis: The Patriots have always been drawn to very smart players at all positions, and that hasn't changed under Mike Vrabel. Boettcher's wits and ability to read on offense and follow his keys should fall in line with what Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker, is looking to add this year in the draft. New England's defense impressed last season and helped carry the Patriots to the Super Bowl, but their linebackers could use a boost. Outside of veteran Robert Spillane, the Patriots could use some upgrades in the middle of their defense. Their run defense was great down the stretch, but the Patriots lack a ton of valuable depth inside, and one injury could be their doom. Boettcher and Vrabel also seem all too similar in terms of their mindset toward the game, and I think there could be some trust built during camp if the Patriots took a flier on the Oregon star.
Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 28: Cody Barton #50 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 28: Cody Barton #50 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Analysis: Quite simply, the Titans need as much help as they can get at linebacker. Cody Barton and Cedric Gray are currently slated to start, but the Titans are the most realistic landing spot where Boettcher could quickly become a second-stringer and see some time on defense. If anything, Boettcher's athleticism is a standout for new coach Robert Saleh, who has always enjoyed quick and athletic players over the middle while coaching the 49ers. Boettcher again fits the mold for the coach's preferences and he would be a big hit on special teams as well.
Contact/Follow@Ducks_Wireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
