Getty
GM John Lynch could be aggressive in the 49ers offseason.
The San Francisco 49ers already made a massive splash by signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal worth $60.4 million in free agency. Now, they have a great opportunity to continue building their win-now roster through the upcoming NFL Draft.
While the team possesses seven draft picks, all seven of those picks are slated to be made inside the draft’s first four rounds. So, 49ers GM John Lynch will need to make them count when they happen. If the Niners decide to go defense later on, Oregon All-American linebacker Bryce Boettcher could be the perfect fit for them.
Bryce Boettcher Could Bring Elite Athleticism to the San Francisco 49ers
GettyBryce Boettcher attempts to chase down former Penn State star and current Colts tight end Tyler Warren at the 2024 Big Ten Championship game.
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, Boettcher has the chance to be a draft gem for San Francisco. Here is what he wrote on Boettcher’s ability:
“That athleticism shows up on the gridiron, giving Boettcher a chance to contribute as a coverage linebacker and on special teams if he chooses to pursue a football career.”
The 24-year-old was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, so his athleticism and versatility is already rare. Furthrmore, His 136 tackles led the Big Ten in 2025 and were 22 more than the next closest player. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 225 pounds, the Eugene, Oregon native has the right size to make it work on a fast-moving 49ers defense led by new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
The 49ers Defense is Ready to Wreak Havoc
GettyFred Warner has made four Pro Bowls during his 49ers career.
Boettcher, if drafted by Lynch, would be heading to a Niners defense that wouldn’t need him to start immediately. After all, this is still Fred Warner‘s defense. The four-time First-Team All-Pro, who is on his way back from a fractured ankle, along with Dee Winters, are likely going to be the team’s starting inside linebackers in 2026. But Boettcher would be able to learn from arguably the best in the game in Warner while likely contributing on special teams.
Elsewhere on the 49ers’ defense includes All-Pro edge-rusher Nick Bosa, who is returning from a torn ACL. He is another cornerstone piece of the franchise. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year has recorded at least nine sacks in five of his seven NFL seasons. On the backend, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir earned a five-year extension worth $92 million two years ago. He has notched at least 60 total tackles and multiple forced turnovers in three consecutive seasons.
With Warner and Bosa both returning from major injuries, it will be interesting to see which defenders can step up to help them out. Maybe some of those contributors are in the building and maybe some of those, such as Boettcher, will be drafted in just over a month from now. In a division that includes the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, defense matters now more than ever. A talented player such as Boettcher could make a huge difference in the Bay Area.
Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has covered the world of sports through a variety of different lenses. More specifically, he has been an NFL writer for sites such as Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major point of emphasis for the longtime writer in the past. More about Tim Lindsey
More Heavy on 49ers
Loading more stories