2026 NFL Prospect Profile: USC’s Edge Rusher, Anthony Lucas

USC edge rusher Anthony Lucas enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as one of the more physically imposing and scheme-diverse defensive prospects on the West Coast. A former blue-chip recruit with experience across multiple defensive systems, Lucas has developed into a reliable, high-effort defender whose game is built on strength, leverage, and versatility. As USC continues to reshape its defensive identity, Lucas has emerged as a steady presence along the front, earning increased attention from NFL evaluators looking for power-based edge defenders with developmental upside.

Lucas began his collegiate career at Texas A&M before transferring to USC, a move that allowed him to showcase his skill set in a system that emphasizes attacking fronts and hybrid alignments. His background playing in different schemes is evident on film, as he is comfortable lining up with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge. That flexibility has allowed USC to deploy him in a variety of roles, including early-down run defense and situational pass rushing.

Physically, Lucas looks the part of an NFL edge defender. He possesses a thick, well-built frame with good length and functional strength, making him difficult to move at the point of attack. Against the run, he excels at setting the edge, anchoring against offensive tackles, and forcing plays back inside. His ability to stack and shed blockers gives him value on early downs, where discipline and physicality are critical.

As a pass rusher, Lucas wins primarily with power and effort. His bull rush is effective at collapsing pockets and disrupting quarterbacks’ launch points, even when he doesn’t finish with a sack. He shows the ability to disengage late in the rush and close when quarterbacks step up. While his sack totals may not always stand out on the stat sheet, his pressure rate and consistency demonstrate a player who impacts games beyond raw numbers.

Lucas plays with a relentless motor, often chasing plays from the backside and finishing through the whistle. That effort has earned him trust from coaches and teammates alike, particularly in high-leverage situations. His football intelligence shows up in his ability to maintain rush lanes, recognize screens, and avoid overcommitting, all traits that often translate well to the professional level.

Strengths

Run Defense and Edge Setting

Lucas is strong at the point of attack and consistently forces runs back inside.

Power-Based Pass Rush

Effective bull rush and strength allow him to collapse pockets and disrupt timing.

Positional Versatility

Experience in multiple fronts makes him adaptable to different NFL schemes.

Motor and Effort

Plays with consistent intensity and pursues plays sideline to sideline.

Physical Frame

NFL-ready build with the strength to handle early down responsibilities.

Weaknesses

Explosiveness Off the Snap

Lacks elite first-step burst compared to top speed rushers in the class.

Bend and Flexibility

More effective with power than cornering tightly around the edge.

Pass-Rush Counters

Can continue to expand his move set to become less predictable.

Finishing Production

Pressures don’t always convert into sacks at a high rate.

Conclusion

Anthony Lucas projects as a high-floor edge defender whose value lies in physicality, versatility, and reliability. His ability to contribute against the run, generate pocket disruption, and play within a disciplined defensive structure makes him an appealing option for NFL teams seeking rotational edge players with starter potential.

Draft Nation currently views Lucas as a Day 3 prospect with the opportunity to rise into Day 2 consideration, depending on pre-draft testing and continued development as a pass rusher. In the right system, Lucas has the tools to carve out an early role as a dependable rotational defender and grow into a consistent NFL contributor. Draft Nation is excited to see his performance in the Shrine Bowl against other All-Star talent.