From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Kentucky DL David Gusta.
No. 60 DAVID GUSTA – 6’2”, 308 POUNDS (REDSHIRT SENIOR)
MEASUREMENTS
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
David Gusta 6023/308 10 31 1/8 N/A
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
4.88 1.68 N/A N/A
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
N/A 32 37
THE GOOD
-High effort and motor
-Strong punch
-Can win with multiple moves
-Initial quickness off snap
-Creates consistent pass-rush pressure
-Elite Combine workout
THE BAD
-Struggles to control gaps
-Limited length
-Can lose leverage with poor body control
-Limited college production
-Pass rush plan needs work
-Pad level is inconsistent
STATS
-Career: 44 games, 74 total tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass deflections
-2025: 12 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one sack
-PFF: 408 snaps, 15 total pressures in 2025, 1,657 career snaps. 404 in A-gap, 1,178 in B-gap, 66 over tackle
INJURY HISTORY
-Missed the 2024 Holiday Bowl with an ankle injury
-Has broken every one of his fingers
BACKGROUND
-Three-star recruit in the class of 2021 out of Cajon HS
-From San Bernardino, Calif.
-Committed to Washington State and spent four seasons with the Cougars before transferring to Kentucky
-Wants to get into real estate after football
-Would like to live in Asia after retirement
-Tried learning to play piano
-Was 235 pounds when he first arrived at Washington State
-Participated in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl
-Nickname is “Bone”
-Liberal studies major
-Favorite food to cook is spicy chili wontons
-Played at Kentucky with brother Devon
TAPE BREAKDOWN
Gusta is an interesting study. He didn’t have much statistical production in college. But he flashes as a pass-rusher and has many traits that could make him productive at the NFL level. But he also must clean up a lot. One of the biggest things he needs to work on is his pad level. Too often, Gusta gets too high out of his stance and allows offensive linemen to take him for a ride.
Part of that issue is also his body control. He tends to turn too early and allow himself to be taken out of the play.
When he plays at the right pad level and makes first contact, though, Gusta literally packs a punch. His hand usage is impressive. His initial punch will blow offensive linemen back, putting him in position to make a play.
Even though his sack production was limited, Gusta can get after the quarterback. While he doesn’t always have a well-developed pass-rush plan, he’s still able to create pressure, especially when he wins early with his punch.
Gusta’s biggest issue against the run is struggling to maintain control of his gaps. Double teams frequently wipe him out.
It’s hard to find many better bull rushes than this one, though. This is a glimpse into his potential upside as an interior rusher.
Another trait that stands out for Gusta is his awareness. He isn’t prone to falling for misdirection or play-action. Against Texas, he blows up a trick play by sticking with the ball and getting after Arch Manning.
Here’s an example of winning with a swim move. Gusta has a nice array of moves, but he needs to put them together more consistently with a pass-rush plan to ramp his production up.
While his gap control is an issue more often than not, Gusta’s thick lower half does allow him to maintain his ground at times. With more work, I could see him improving here.
CONCLUSION:
Gusta is far from a polished product. But after excelling at the NFL Combine, he should hear his name called in April. There’s plenty to like about his raw traits. Even with his lack of collegiate production, I think there’s real pass-rush upside because he generated consistent pressure in college. He needs a lot of work as a run defender, and his inconsistent pad level, combined with his lack of length make that a long-term question. But with violent hands and a motor that never runs cold, I think Gusta can be a productive rotational defensive lineman.
My NFL comp is Akeem Spence.
NFL Projection: Day 3 (sixth round)
Steelers Depot Draft Grade: 6.9 (Pure Backup)
Grade Range: 6.6-7.3
Games Watched: vs. Florida (2025), vs. Texas (2025), at Auburn (2025), vs. Texas Tech (2024)
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