Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Lacks elite straight-line speed that limits his ability to cover faster tight ends and running backs
• Relatively new to the linebacker position with only three years of experience, leaving room for technical refinement in pass rush moves
• Size limitations at 225 pounds could be problematic against bigger offensive lines in short-yardage and goal-line situations
• Limited sample size as a full-time starter raises questions about consistency over a complete NFL season
• Pass rush production remains modest with just 2.0 sacks, suggesting he may struggle generating pressure on obvious passing downs

Scouting Report: Summary

Boettcher's film reveals a quality technician whose understanding of defensive concepts and consistent execution make him an appealing prospect, though his athletic upside appears very limited. His run defense stands out as his calling card - he diagnoses quickly, fills gaps with conviction, and wraps up reliably. However, that same tape exposes concerning speed limitations that could hamper his effectiveness against faster offensive weapons in coverage situations.

The linebacker's instincts and leadership qualities translate well to the professional level, where his ability to handle defensive communication and make pre-snap adjustments adds immediate value. Yet his modest pass rush production and relatively brief experience at the position raise questions about his ceiling as a three-down defender. His baseball background demonstrates exceptional hand-eye coordination and competitive drive, but it also highlights how late he arrived to serious football development compared to peers who've been refining their craft for years.

Defensive coordinators will appreciate his reliability and recognition skills, particularly in run-heavy packages where his technical soundness shines brightest. The concern becomes whether his athletic limitations create exploitable matchups in today's offense-friendly league, where linebackers must cover more ground and handle increasingly diverse responsibilities. His character and work ethic suggest he'll maximize whatever physical tools he possesses, but those tools appear to have a fairly defined ceiling that could limit his long-term impact as anything more than a solid rotational contributor who excels in specific defensive packages.