Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: David Gusta

School: Kentucky

Height/Weight: 6-3/302 lbs.

Player Background

– 3-Star Recruit

– Just 9 offers coming out of High School

– Transferred from Washington State to Kentucky

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 62 Tackles

– 6 Tackles for a Loss

– 1.5 Sacks

– 4 Pass Deflections

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 72.4 PFF Run Defense Grade

– 69.1 PFF Pass Rush Grade

– 6 QB Hits

– 45 QB Hurries

– 27 Defensive Stops

Player Traits

– Space eater in the middle of the defensive line

– Can split double teams with hand fighting and strength

– Good awareness to not over-commit on plays

– Can surprise you with his speed off the ball and in pursuit

– While sack production isn’t there, the film shows consistent pressure being created

Player Summary

David Gusta is going to have a chance to improve his draft stock on a level not many will have in 2025. Gusta will be in the SEC with a Kentucky team that is very talented on defense, with a schedule full of strong offensive lines to go against. His speed should help him find success in the conference, and their talent, but his strength will be what makes or breaks his prospects. He has good awareness to not over-commit on plays, as well as some surprising speed to pursue ball carriers well enough to create chaos on plays. Be sure to watch some Kentucky defense in 2025 for Gusta alone. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: David Gusta, DL, Kentucky