2026 Lions Undrafted Free Agent Spotlight: Anthony Lucas
The Lions bring in another edge to compete, can he find a spot?
Information sourced from: RAS, Pride of Detroit UDFA Tracker, CFB Sports Reference
Our next UDFA to dig in on is an edge player that comes with an interesting set of skills.
All kidding aside, while the Lions now have their top three edge rushers established (Hutch, Moore, Wonnum), I think they certainly could use some competition for that fourth edge spot. Don’t get me wrong, I really hope Hassanein works out, but let’s dig in on a player who comes in at a position of need and see what he can bring to the Lions.
Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
Anthony Lucas comes off on tape to me as a quality, yet middling player. He certainly can set the edge, he can get some pressure, he can stop the run, but he’s not doing anything at an excellent level. But per his stats below I think we see that he was used primarily in a rotational role with a little more use in his senior season. The fact that he wasn’t utilized more makes me wonder why he didn’t go the route of a fifth year senior in order to improve his draft stock and mature his skillset a bit more.
His athletic profile (on paper) doesn’t shine much more light on what he can bring. However, back to the tape, he does show some athleticism. I wouldn’t call him explosive though I wouldn’t call him slow. His length is good, but he seems to me to lack the agility to move up and down the line as much as I have seen in other players. He does seem to be strong enough to fit the bill.
His size, weight in particular, makes me think he would be asked to slide inside and could also be asked to play on the edge. Kind of like a John Cominsky or Josh Paschal role. However, I do wonder if standing a 6’ 5” will allow him to be rocked off his center of gravity. To be clear, I don’t have any data to suggest this, just a concern when I look at his skillset and try to place him on the Lions’ roster.
I came into this expecting to find more than I did. I honestly don’t see the value beyond camp. Perhaps with his length and strength he can land on the practice squad to develop his skills. Honestly though, There’s already so many good and raw developmental players on this team I don’t see that happening either. I think it is likely the Lions brought him in to get a closer look, and nothing more.
Silver & Blues chance of making the Lions final roster: 0/10
Silver & Blues chance of making the Lions practice squad: 3/10