Bryce Boettcher Draft Grade | Round 4, Pick 35 | FanVerdicts

Bottom 20%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Significant Reach

Position

LB · Value Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #182 · Day 3 Sleeper

Bryce Boettcher emerged as a reliable three-down linebacker for Oregon after transferring from Montana State following his sophomore season. His college trajectory showcased steady improvement in Dan Lanning's defense, evolving from a run-stopping specialist into a competent coverage linebacker. Boettcher's draft stock centers around his football IQ, tackling technique, and special teams versatility, though concerns about his athletic ceiling and pass coverage consistency limit his upside. He profiles as a developmental linebacker with the foundational skills to carve out a role as a backup and core special teamer, possessing the work ethic and character traits that coaching staffs covet in late-round selections.

Strengths

+Exceptional football instincts allow him to diagnose plays quickly and trigger downhill against run actions, consistently reading backfield mesh points and guard pulls.

+Textbook tackling technique with proper shoulder placement and wrap-up ability, rarely missing tackles in phone booth situations and showing excellent leverage control.

+High football IQ enables him to handle complex defensive calls and adjustments, serving as the defensive quarterback who gets teammates aligned pre-snap.

+Solid gap integrity in run fits, rarely getting displaced by down blocks and maintaining his assigned lanes with disciplined footwork and hand placement.

+Reliable blitzer when asked to rush the passer, showing good timing on A-gap and B-gap stunts with effective hand usage to defeat running back protection.

+Strong core special teams contributor with experience on all four units, displaying the coverage speed and physicality needed for wedge-breaking roles.

+Excellent character and work ethic, earning respect from teammates and coaches as a high-effort player who maximizes his physical abilities.

+Competent in shallow zone coverage underneath, showing adequate awareness to wall off crossing routes and sitting in passing windows.

+Good block destruction skills when engaged by offensive linemen, using active hands and proper leverage to shed blocks and make plays.

+Dependable tackler in open space situations within five yards of the line of scrimmage, showing good body control and pursuit angles.

+Leadership qualities evident in his communication and pre-snap adjustments, consistently getting the defense organized in various formations.

NFL Comparison: Nick Bolton

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Bryce Boettcher

Pick Context

Scouting Report

Strengths

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