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Edge defenders with prototypical size and strength often require a more measured evaluation, particularly when their collegiate careers involve rotational usage, injuries, or transitions between programs. For these players, projection is shaped less by raw production and more by role fit, physical traits, and developmental trajectory.
We are going to be covering players who are eligible at every position in the upcoming 2026 draft, and not all prospects project as early selections. Edge defenders who win with power, awareness, and versatility frequently find their NFL outlook tied to defined roles rather than immediate statistical output.
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For this report, we will be discussing an edge defender from the USC Trojans. Here is my report on Anthony Lucas.
Information
Anthony Lucas
Background Tag: Power-based edge with multi-front experience
School: USC
Conference: Pac-12
Height/Weight: 6-5, 285 lbs
Age when Drafted: 21
Date of Birth: October 8, 2004
Previous School: Texas A&M
All-Star Game: Shrine Bowl
Jersey Number: #8
Background
Transferred to USC after beginning his collegiate career at Texas A&M
Former Under Armour All-American with a strong high school production profile
Played in multiple defensive systems across two Power Four programs
Used as both a stand-up edge defender and with his hand in the dirt
Saw interior defensive line snaps in sub packages
Started games along the defensive front before suffering a season-ending injury that required surgery in 2024
Notable Stats
Career Snapshot:
Games Played: 26
Starts: 7
Career Production:
Tackles: 33
Tackles for Loss: 4.5
Sacks: 3.0
Pass Breakups: 1
QB Hurries: 1
2024 (USC):
Appeared in six games with starts prior to injury
Recorded 16 tackles and one pass breakup
Notable PFF Numbers from Available Data
Most Recent Overall Defensive Grade: 71.3
Run Defense Grade: 69.0
Pass Rush Grade: 78.5
Total Defensive Snaps (most recent season): 546
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PFF usage data shows Lucas aligned primarily on the edge, with snaps taken from both two-point and three-point stances, as well as occasional interior alignments in passing situations. His grading profile reflects stronger efficiency as a power-based rusher than as a speed-driven finisher.
Skills
Possesses prototypical size, length, and mass for an NFL edge defender
Wins with strength, leverage, and physicality rather than a sudden burst
Flashes an aggressive rip move capable of displacing blockers in run defense
Shows awareness in passing lanes and consistently works to get hands up to block passing lanes
Processes screens and misdirection with discipline and IQ
Comfortable aligning across multiple fronts, including interior sub-package roles
Plays with effort and competitiveness, including special teams contributions
Can lose leverage when aligned inside against double teams
Rush plan can stall once the initial power move is neutralized, more specifically, when he is aligned on the IDL
Player Summary
Anthony Lucas profiles as a power-based edge defender whose evaluation centers on role definition, health, and functional traits rather than production volume. His collegiate career reflects a player who has contributed across multiple defensive fronts while navigating interruptions that limited continuity.
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From a projection standpoint, Lucas offers inside-out versatility and the physical makeup teams look for in rotational edge defenders. While he is not a speed-based rusher, his strength, length, and effort give him a realistic path as a developmental depth option capable of handling situational snaps and special teams work at the next level.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC
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