The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft starts tomorrow at 8 P.M. ET on ESPN. Day two (2nd/3rd round) and day three (4th-7th round) will happen on Friday and Saturday. The Kentucky Wildcats are expected to see five players get their names called likely on day two and three; we have covered the offensive prospects in offensive guard Jalen Farmer, center Jager Burton, wide receiver Kendrick Law and running back Seth McGowan. Now, we shift our focus to defensive tackle David Gusta, the only defensive prospect from Kentucky expected to be drafted.

Gusta is a pure nose tackle that lines head up over the center. This position is vital for defensive schemes, but also a position that will not get a ton of love or notice from typical football watchers. Nose tackles do all the dirty work, clogging up the middle and taking on double teams to make a difference in the run game. Gusta is 6'2, 308-pounds and is strong as an ox in the middle of the defensive line.

Gusta had a great NFL combine with an eye opening 4.88 40-yard dash time, which is impressive for his build. He showed off that strength with 37 reps on the bench press and also posted a good vertical as well. Gusta won't offer much as a pass rusher but his skillset at nose tackle is valuable to NFL teams. He had three tackles for loss last season at Kentucky, however, a lot of his plays don't show up in the stat sheet which is the nature of the nose tackle position.

Gusta currently ranks as the 246 overall player on the consensus big board. He is currently projected to be drafted in the 7th round. Dane Brugler of The Athletic put out his full seven round mock draft ahead of the NFL draft and he had Gusta going in the 6th round at pick 206 to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns could use a true nose tackle on their defensive line and is a spot where he could carve out a role.

This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: 2026 NFL draft preview for Kentucky defensive tackle David Gusta