Anthony Lucas

NFL Draft Profile: Anthony Lucas

Position: Defensive End / EDGE | School: USC (via Texas A&M) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 285 lbs | Archetype: Balance (Jumbo Athlete)

College Career Summary

Anthony Lucas arrived at Texas A&M as a consensus five-star recruit, embodying the "blue-chip" athletic profile NFL scouts covet. After a rotational freshman year, he transferred to USC to lead the Trojans' defensive rebuild. His 2024 season was cut short by a significant lower-leg injury just as he was emerging as the unit's most disruptive force (leading the team in pressures through six games). Returning for a high-stakes senior year in 2025, Lucas served as the physical anchor for the USC front. While he doesn't post "video game" sack numbers, his impact is felt in the dirty work: eating double teams, squeezing pockets, and allowing teammates to clean up. He is a high-ceiling prospect whose best football is ahead of him as he continues to regain his pre-injury "twitch."

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 38

• Total Tackles: 70 (37 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 8.0 (3.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 3.0 (3.0 in 2025)

• QB Hurries: 19 career (7 in 2025)

• Career Note: 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Watchlist.

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. LSU	3 Tkl, 1 QBH	B+	Set a violent edge against a top-tier O-line.
vs. Utah State	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Recorded his first sack as a Trojan; high Acceleration.
@ Michigan	4 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Gritty trench battle; showed elite Mental Toughness.
vs. Wisconsin	3 Tkl	B	Stout in run support; disciplined gap integrity.
@ Minnesota	2 Tkl	C+	Lacked a consistent pass-rush plan in a physical game.
vs. Penn State	6 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Season Best. Redemption game; high Star impact.
@ Maryland	4 Tkl, 1 FF	B+	Impact play with a forced fumble; tracked the ball well.
vs. Rutgers	3 Tkl, 1 QBH	B	Consistent push; forced several early releases.
@ Washington	2 Tkl	B-	Played heavy snaps; showed good late-game Stamina.
vs. Nebraska	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Clean win on a bull-rush for a crucial 3rd-down sack.
@ UCLA	5 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	High Motor in pursuit; shut down the perimeter run.
vs. Notre Dame	0 Tkl	D	Worst Game. Neutralized by chips; struggled with leverage.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Frame & Length: Lucas possesses a "jumbo" frame that is NFL-ready. His 7-foot wingspan allows him to initiate contact and keep tackles away from his chest.

• Functional Strength: He translates weight room numbers to the field. He has a "heavy" punch that can shock offensive tackles and reset the line of scrimmage.

• Versatility: Capable of playing the 5-technique in a 3-4 or sliding inside to 3-technique on passing downs. He is a mismatch for interior guards when he uses his Speed.

• High Character: Voted a leader by teammates, he demonstrated immense Leadership by returning from a 2024 injury to mentor a young USC defensive line.

Weaknesses

• Pass Rush Polish: He often relies on pure athleticism. He needs to expand his "bag" of moves beyond the bull-rush and speed-to-power transition.

• Health Check: Scouts will closely monitor the medical reports on his lower leg. While he played a full 2025 season, he at times looked slightly less fluid than his freshman tape.

• Consistency: There are stretches where he "disappears" statistically. He needs to turn his high pressure rates into actual sack production at the next level.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 4-3 Strongside DE or 3-4 Defensive End.

NFL Comparison: George Karlaftis / Arik Armstead

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Anthony Lucas is a "projection" prospect whose physical profile will drive him up draft boards. He is a rare athlete who can carry 285+ lbs without losing his baseline Agility. While the stat sheet doesn't scream "first-round pick," the film shows a player who disrupts offensive timing and commands respect from opposing coordinators. His ability to anchor against the run makes him a safe high-floor starter, while his raw pass-rushing tools suggest a sky-high ceiling if he lands with a technical DL coach.

Draft Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd Round (Teams will bank on the "five-star" pedigree and rare size-speed combo).