By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Anthony Lucas enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted and scheme-diverse edge defenders in the class, blending power, length, and positional versatility into a disruptive package that’s finally matured at USC. Once a five-star recruit with a winding college journey, Lucas now projects as a Day 2 pick with starter upside and a ceiling that could exceed expectations in the right system.
Background & Journey
Anthony Lucas began his collegiate career at Texas A&M as a consensus five-star recruit from Scottsdale, Arizona. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 285 pounds, Lucas arrived with the kind of frame and athletic profile that screams NFL potential. But his early years were turbulent. After a promising start, Lucas was suspended midway through his freshman season due to a locker room incident, prompting a transfer to USC in 2023.
His first year with the Trojans was quiet — rotational snaps, limited production, and a learning curve in a new defensive system. But by 2024, Lucas began flashing disruptive traits before a lower-leg injury cut his season short. He returned in 2025 as a senior and finally delivered the kind of impact scouts had long anticipated: 37 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 7 QB hurries, and a forced fumble across 12 games. While the numbers don’t leap off the page, his tape tells a story of growth, leverage, and physical dominance.
Physical Traits & Measurables
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 285 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.85 seconds
- Arm Length: Estimated 34+ inches
- Wingspan: Prototype edge dimensions
- Athletic Profile: Balance/Jumbo Athlete archetype
Lucas is a rare blend of size and movement skills. He’s not a twitchy speed rusher, but his first step is explosive enough to threaten tackles, and his ability to convert speed to power is a core strength. He plays with natural leverage, uses his hands well, and can anchor against double teams — traits that make him scheme-versatile across 4-3 and 3-4 fronts.
Strengths
- Power-Based Pass Rushing: Lucas excels at collapsing pockets with bull rushes, long-arm techniques, and inside counters. He’s not a bendy edge, but he wins with strength and hand placement.
- Run Defense: Sets a firm edge, disengages well, and rarely gets washed out. His ability to squeeze gaps and force cutbacks is a major asset.
- Versatility: Can play base end in a 4-3, 5-tech in a 3-4, or kick inside on passing downs. USC used him across multiple alignments, and he held up well.
- Motor & Effort: High-effort player who doesn’t take snaps off. His pursuit and backside hustle stand out on film.
- Football IQ: Improved significantly in 2025, showing better recognition of blocking schemes, screen setups, and play-action.
Areas for Improvement
- Pass-Rush Creativity: Lucas lacks a deep arsenal of moves. He wins with power but needs to develop counters, spins, and finesse techniques to become a consistent threat.
- Production vs. Pressure: His sack totals are modest, and while he generates pressure, he doesn’t always finish plays. NFL teams will want to see more disruption on the stat sheet.
- Injury History: The 2024 lower-leg injury raises durability questions. He returned strong, but medical evaluations will be key.
- Pad Level Consistency: Occasionally plays too high, especially when fatigued, which neutralizes his power.
Scheme Fit & Projection
Lucas fits best in a system that values power and versatility over pure speed. He’s ideal for:
- 4-3 Base End: Can set the edge, rush with power, and kick inside on third down.
- 3-4 Defensive End: As a 5-tech, he can two-gap or penetrate depending on the call.
- Hybrid Fronts: Teams that mix odd/even fronts (e.g., Patriots, Ravens, Lions) will love his adaptability.
He projects as a rotational player early, with starter upside by Year 2. His floor is high due to his physical traits and run defense, and his ceiling depends on how much he develops as a pass rusher.
Draft Grade & Projection
- Projected Round: Late 2nd to Early 3rd
- Draft Grade: 84.6 / 100
- Team Fits: Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks
Final Thoughts
Anthony Lucas isn’t the flashiest edge rusher in the 2026 class, but he’s one of the most physically complete. His journey from blue-chip recruit to mature, scheme-diverse defender reflects growth, resilience, and untapped potential. In a class loaded with speed rushers, Lucas offers something different: power, versatility, and a high floor. He may not dominate the headlines on draft night, but he could quietly become one of the most reliable defensive linemen in his class.
Knee Cap Biting With The Motor City Lions – YouTube
