Anthony Lucas has the size of a good NFL player, but his production leaves more to be desired. Many coaches lean on the belief that they can elevate underperformers. Lucas gives confidence that he can be a promising young player; he just needs to land in the right organization. Here are the best potential landing spots for Trojan edge rusher Anthony Lucas at the NFL draft:
Howie Roseman is always looking for young developmental prospects. He is one of the best at the rinse and repeat roster-building strategy. The Eagles roster is getting younger, but with Vic Fangio in the building, this defense will remain one of the best. I really like how Anthony Lucas can fit into things on this defensive line. Vic Fangio can use him as a versatile piece and mix him into the rotation after letting him sit and learn for the majority of the season. I can see Lucas being a nice piece on the Eagles' defensive line.
Chris Shula is still in the building as the defensive coordinator, and he has done a great job with the Rams' defense. This defensive line already has stars at every position, but they could use some more depth. I think Anthony Lucas won't provide much as a rookie, but he can use his rookie season to develop and be an impact player in year 2 or 3. The Rams have what it takes to squeeze as much as possible out of a high-upside, trait-rich player like Lucas.
The Denver Broncos are as good as it gets on the defensive line. Last season, they led the NFL in sacks with 68. However, they lost a big, pivotal piece in John Franklin Myers. He was huge for them up front, and I think taking an edge in this draft class would be very necessary. With Lucas' current draft stock, they can wait and take him late, still filling that need. He fits in with the culture and how physically imposing their defense is.
The Tennessee Titans hired Robert Saleh to help turn them into a winner, and I think he will. He made the defensive line a priority this offseason, and I expect him to take more shots at that position in the draft. Anthony Lucas, with his size and how dominant he is physically, the one wrinkle in his game he has his pass-rush moves. Robert Saleh can get him to where he needs to be, as he has done with many other projects before in his coaching career.
The Texans have had good luck with taking USC Trojans. Demeco Ryans is a player's coach, and he knows how to get the most out of his guys on defense. The Texans have the best defensive line in football, but with Danielle Hunter being 30 years old, they could look to try to get some long-term developmental guys behind him. Anthony Lucas would not have to play right away, and he can learn behind the best of the best. This would be the best-case scenario landing spot for Lucas.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC's Anthony Lucas is a name to watch in NFL draft as a value pick