Jason Jones
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Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia put up a combined 4,401 yards both through the air and on the ground in the 2025 season. The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy scored almost 40 touchdowns combined. A 170-season rating average and almost 71% completions should have put him firmly in the top 100.
However, there are several factors working against Pavia. He was listed by Vanderbilt to be 6’0. While that is respectable, it is below the mark of what NFL teams look for. That was made into an even bigger concern when he measured 5’9″ and 7/8″ at the Senior Bowl. Excluding Kyler Murray’s NFL Rookie of the Year season, there has not been a ‘successful’ NFL QB under 5-foot-10 since 2000.
Despite the size concern there is a skill set concern. What Pavia did at Vanderbilt can work in the college game, but has very little success at the NFL level. Too many big plays off the platform, relies too much on his legs, and he is not viewed as a QB that can stand and deliver from the pocket.
Then there’s off the field antics. Pavia is making the same mistakes that Shedeur Sanders and others have made in recent memory. He’s trying to speak a draft stock into existence that no one else agrees with. He has been dismissive of the talent level of other players. He confirmed to Jon Gruden that he would not hire an agent.
Vanderbilt undrafted free agent QB Diego Pavia accepted an invitation to next weekend’s minicamp with the Baltimore Ravens, per source. pic.twitter.com/5nBIH1rHc7
“No team saw upside from a physical standpoint and that evaluation goes for every player.” -Jim Everett on Diego Pavia
https://t.co/OD5qpXD3J3
Former Vanderbilt quarterbacks Ken Seals and Mike Wright have both been invited to rookie minicamps. Seals will join the Chiefs while Wright will join the Seahawks.
If I was Diego Pavia and still want to play football I would call the @CFL and @TheUFL immediately.
No better way to shut people up and show them you’re serious about playing. Just have to go play somewhere at this point.
I could see him having similar career to Doug Flutie…
I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball.. just an absolute sensation. Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly.
I think a lot of what made him fantastic for College was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL “prospect”.. Size, speed, style of play,… pic.twitter.com/d5IZNKwQZm
FSU QB Tommy Castellanos has been invited to the Titans’ rookie minicamp.
“I’m the best player in the country. You get me, you’re getting someone who is a winner, a competitor…”
“The team that gets me… I’ll die for the team.”
Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia determined to prove his worth at the Senior Bowl this week.#NFLDraft #SeniorBowl #Pavia pic.twitter.com/qihRZsdvgS
@diegopavia02 “I BELIEVE IN YOU MY MAN! Stay strong and don’t let up. Show them what time it is and never allow them to forget. Much Love & God bless you. #PRIME
We’re now 12 hours from the end of the 2026 NFL Draft. Pavia hasn’t signed with a team. If so, it hasn’t been announced. This is bad news for the Heisman finalist.
Despite going undrafted, Diego Pavia still has a chance to make history#NFLDraft https://t.co/F4MzVnT27P
https://t.co/hBniZ3b6PM
More: Diego Pavia fumbled the bag before NFL Draft, but it was avoidable
What’s next for Diego Pavia after not being drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft? 🤔@FBallGameplan says the Canadian Football League would be a great first step in his professional football journey. 👀 pic.twitter.com/nX6muHuB53
This is just lazy. Sure, pile on Diego Pavia if you feel the need.
But, get your facts right. He did not have an agent in college to handle NIL
He DOES have, and has had, an NFL agent (Malki Kawa). https://t.co/Y7NZGxI3LE
Diego Pavia made it clear he didn’t want an agent. “Ain’t nobody taking my money,” he told Jon Gruden. Now, Pavia is looking for a spot as an undrafted free agent. https://t.co/ULlemxGzHO
Diego Pavia update:
Tried to reach out about his status and if any NFL teams made contact.
We talked to him before the sixth round. His phone is currently off. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/4wFmO86Ibr
Trailblazer. Icon. NFL kicker.
The Tokyo Toe is headed to the @Raiders as an undrafted free agent! @kan08sei x #BowsInThePros pic.twitter.com/EwzfPQxZuJ
appreciate you coach!! had a blast learning ball today 💯 https://t.co/iWVl6nb1qm
All undrafted free agent QB’s signed before Diego Pavia
Jack Strand (MN-Moorhead)
Joey Fagnano (UConn)
Haynes King (GA Tech)
Luke Altmyer (Illinois)
Miller Moss (Louisville)
Kyron Drones (VA Tech)
Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)
Jacob Clark (MO State)
Matthew Caldwell (backup at Texas)…
Diego Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist last college football season.
Four months later, his NFL journey will start as a free agent. pic.twitter.com/mMpH0N8COC
Pavia is the first undrafted Heisman finalist since Jordan Lynch out of Northern Illinois. He led the Huskies to back-to-back 12-win seasons in 2012/13 that included an Orange Bowl appearance, and did sign a contract with the Bears. https://t.co/G2eyTZUEOs
Diego Pavia not hearing his name called on Day 3 pic.twitter.com/vXnUrWfsaq
Tyrann Mathieu called it on Diego Pavia …
‘He’s just a little bit sidetracked. He’s been on too many podcasts for me … too many UFC fights, too many drunk photos. That’s not what people want to see at the next level.’pic.twitter.com/am7BkBxSJ3
These players all went undrafted:
– Kurt Warner
– Wes Welker
– Warren Moon
– Tony Romo
– Antonio Gates
– Rod Smith
– James Harrison
– Adam Vinatieri
– Chris Harris
– Adam Thielen
The dream is not over yet pic.twitter.com/ia4hD6iuwN
Former Kansas QB Jalon Daniels is signing with the Bucs on a deal that includes a $247,000 base salary guarantee and $25,000 signing bonus, source said. pic.twitter.com/cXv7FmZjvE
Former Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar is signing with the Jaguars, source said. pic.twitter.com/CP8TmSgJJX
Former Georgia Tech QB Haynes King is signing with the Panthers on a deal that includes $250,000 guaranteed, source said. pic.twitter.com/QijlaYWN5w
Kyron Drones got signed before Pavia 💀 https://t.co/dfG1kKAbTM
Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia was NOT selected in the 2026 NFL Draft 😳
Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist just four months ago, finishing 2nd behind Fernando Mendoza. pic.twitter.com/5KR1yJOKjn
Diego Pavia becomes the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to go undrafted pic.twitter.com/e4h9v3AZee
Names to Watch in UDFA who met with the Panthers at some point:
QB Diego Pavia
QB Haynes King
QB Jack Strand
LB Wesley Bissainthe
LB Khalil Jacobs
TE Dae’Quan Wright
OLB Mason Reiger
OLB Tyreak Sapp
OT Tristan Leigh
CB Collin Wright
Diego Pavia as Mr irrelevant would be generationally hilarious
Some QBs still on the board with five picks left: Luke Altmeyer, Joey Aguilar, Diego Pavia and Sawyer Robertson. #Panthers
Eagles select IPP DT Uar Bernard of Nigeria with No. 251 overall pick in 2026 NFL Drafthttps://t.co/1kUIcH8Dto https://t.co/pYMC7DkNj1 pic.twitter.com/BJ27QK9SM7
The #Chiefs have now selected #LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier at No. 249. His surprising fall ends in KC.
TRENDING: Diego Pavia’s combine tape has resurfaced after he went undrafted in the #NFL Draft…
Many fans believe this is what lowered his draft stock.
What do you notice? pic.twitter.com/WxBtF6x8bv
With the No. 234 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @Patriots select Behren Morton.
NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/q9d2HOFQSc
Bills pick punter Tommy Doman with No. 239 overall selection in 2026 NFL Drafthttps://t.co/1kUIcH8Dto pic.twitter.com/k5TGgHbHkK
Mid-7th Round- Pavia’s chances of being drafted down right now
The Commanders take Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis at 223. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier still on the board.
More: Denver Broncos have golden opportunity to spice up Mr. Irrelevant retreat
A punter and a kicker were taken before Pavia
The #Packers are on the board with a kicker, taking Florida’s Trey Smack at No. 216.
At No. 211, the Ravens selected punter Ryan Eckley. pic.twitter.com/oPq8V7qUGo
More: Diego Pavia draft party hat selection reveals NFL disconnect
If Diego Pavia goes undrafted, he’ll be the first Heisman Trophy finalist to do so since 2014. https://t.co/oX2LstAjIO
The setup for Diego Pavia’s draft party. We will see where the Vanderbilt QB goes. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/66iMsshgYC
Will Diego Pavia be the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to go undrafted? pic.twitter.com/7ozTtTC9jH
More: Will Diego Pavia be drafted today? A closer look at the chances for the Heisman runner-up
April 25
Will Diego Pavia be drafted today? A closer look at the Heisman runner-up who’s one of the biggest names on the board on Day 3. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/eJ4SLv9gmu
Diego Pavia is still available heading into Day 3 of the NFL Draft 👀
When will he hear his name called today? pic.twitter.com/a0ItBpO9Ni
April 24
Offensive players still on the board after Round 3 include:
QB Garrett Nussmeier
QB Taylen Green
QB Cole Payton
QB Cade Klubnik
QB Jalon Daniels
QB Luke Altmyer
QB Haynes King
QB Behren Morton
QB Diego Pavia
RB Mike Washington Jr.
WR Deion Burks
WR Skyler Bell
WR Elijah Sarratt
When will Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia get drafted? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qHpBZ2rOom
April 23
Diego Pavia went undrafted in the first round, leaving the New Mexico quarterback as the only Heisman nominee in this year’s NFL draft still waiting.https://t.co/n9bN39HJeH
With Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson going at the top end of the first round, when will the next QB come off the board?
The big sports law question for the 2026 NFL Draft: When will Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia—who began what has become more than 70 eligibility lawsuits against the NCAA to extend their time as college athletes—be drafted?
What team will be selecting @Vandyfootball QB Diego Pavia in the upcoming NFL Draft? 👀 @FedEx
2026 NFL Draft – April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oc9uh2S4xu
The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network– available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
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Jason Jones is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has covered all major sports for the past two decades. Jason began his career in sports radio broadcasting, working for WKNR in Cleveland and KKML in Denver as a show host, producer and director of production. He previously worked as an NFL Draft analyst and reporter for Yahoo Sports Radio.
