Detroit Lions Add Former Five-Star DL With Big Upside

The Detroit Lions continue to build out their roster following the 2026 NFL Draft, and their latest addition brings both upside and intrigue.

According to a social media post from USC football, defensive lineman Anthony Lucas has signed with the Lions as a priority free agent.

Anthony Lucas Detroit Lions

A high-upside addition to the defensive line

Lucas arrives in Detroit with a unique background and plenty of untapped potential.

A former five-star recruit who began his career at Texas A&M before transferring to USC, Lucas steadily improved during his time with the Trojans. In 2025, he finished second on the team with 23 pressures, showing flashes of the disruptive ability that once made him one of the top recruits in the country.

Even more impressive?

Lucas is still relatively new to football, having not started playing until high school. That means his best football could still be ahead of him.

Strength and power define his game

At his core, Lucas is a power player.

He has the size and strength to hold up at the point of attack and uses heavy hands to engage blockers. As a pass rusher, he thrives when attacking gaps or driving directly through offensive linemen with force.

That “battering ram” style gives him a clear identity.

However, he is still developing as a complete pass rusher. His move set remains limited, and he will need to improve his technique and sequencing to consistently win at the NFL level.