Vanderbilt football coach Clark Lea weighed in on Diego Pavia not getting picked in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The former Commodores quarterback is the first Heisman Trophy runner-up to go undrafted since 2014. The biggest concerns for NFL teams were his size (5-foot-10) and lack of prototypical arm strength, as well as playing in an RPO-based system, where he did his best work outside the pocket. Pavia, who has a fiery personality, also caused controversy with comments made after the Heisman ceremony.
After the three-day draft ended April 25, Pavia was invited to rookie minicamp with the Baltimore Ravens.
“What Diego has accomplished as a member of our program is undeniable, and those who know him best also know that his impact extends far beyond his performance on the field,” Lea said in a statement April 27. “Diego has been counted out his entire career, and has proven doubters wrong every step of the way.
“I am excited to watch him write his next chapter with the same tools he has used to get to this point. Not only does everyone here at Vanderbilt believe in Diego, we all expect to see him have a successful career in the NFL.”
In 2025, Pavia was 267-for-378 passing for 3,539 yards, 29 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran 167 times for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns as the Commodores went 10-3 overall and played in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X @aria_gerson.
