USC insider reveals the big reason Detroit Lions took a chance on Anthony Lucas

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USC insider reveals the big reason Detroit Lions took a chance on Anthony Lucas

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Anthony Lucas (6) attempts to sack Utah State Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Mike Payton · AtoZ Sports

Tue, May 19, 2026 ·

3 min read

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The Lions took a chance on potential, but can Lucas finally realize it? That's the real question

The Detroit Lions had a pretty good draft, but they also had a pretty decent undrafted free agent haul as well. One of the more intriguing prospects they picked up was USC edge rusher Anthony Lucas. Someone I think has a shot at the 53-man roster.

I wanted to know more about Lucas, so I reached out to a pal who has been covering him at USC, Los Angeles Times USC beat writer Ryan Kartje . Here's what I learned:

I was talking with another scout, and the big thing he had to say about Lucas is that he's shown flashes, but he's yet to just put it all together. Is this an accurate thought on Lucas at USC?

"I'd say that's a fair assessment. When you see Lucas up close, you don't need to be a scouting expert to understand how much potential he has. He somehow looks bigger than his measurables suggest.

However, he has never quite put it all together on the field. Some of that is due to ill-timed injuries. But he always seemed on the verge of a breakout and never quite got there.

I do think his most developed skills as a defensive lineman are against the run, and that's where he'll be most useful right away."

Lucas looks to be a good edge setter in the run game. Do you think he has a pass-rushing future in Detroit, or is he likely to just be an early down run stopper?

"I think he's capable of both. But he hasn't shown the consistency with his pass rush. Especially when it comes to finishing.

Lucas had 23 pressures last season and hit the quarterback 11 times, but only managed three sacks. With good coaching, I think someone can get the best out of Lucas' pass rush skills. He's never going to be a prolific sack artist, though, by any means."

In The Beast , The Athletic's Dane Brugler said Lucas could be something if the "care" factor stays high. Has Lucas shown that he might be a guy who takes plays off?

"I could see how someone would get that impression. Sometimes, he may have come off as a quieter and more aloof personality. But by the end of his time at USC, Lucas seemed to be pretty vocal on USC's defense - at least at times when I was watching him closely."

Of all the Lions' UDFA's, Lucas was the only guy who was ranked within the parameters of someone who should have been drafted. Why do you think he fell?

"It's hard to say, but I'm sure the injury concerns and the lack of high-level production don't help. I still think Lucas deserved to be drafted, if only as a bet on potential.

The question is whether he can be more than just a good college run defender. If he can, he'll be more than worth the investment."

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