Diego Pavia Faces an Uphill Battle to Make the Ravens’ Roster – theleadsm.com

The Baltimore Ravens are nearing the end of the offseason, with training camp just a little over a week away. July 24 is when rookies, quarterbacks, and injured veterans report to training camp, and fans can finally start dreaming of seeing football again.
One of the major storylines entering camp is who will fill the third quarterback spot. The battle is between two undrafted rookies — Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano — and NFL journeyman Skylar Thompson.
While all three will compete, Pavia’s story is the most compelling.
Pavia had an amazing senior season at Vanderbilt, totaling 4,401 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. His performance earned him the runner-up spot in the Heisman voting and was a major reason the Commodores went 10–3 and finished No. 15 in the AP Poll. 
With the type of season he had, many expected him to get drafted, but his official height (just 5-foot-10) and off-field controversies tanked his overall draft stock. Now, he faces an uphill battle if he wants to make his NFL dreams come true.
Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor. As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the…
— Diego Pavia (@diegopavia02) December 15, 2025

 
With the team less than two weeks from training camp, it’s going to be hard for him to make the roster. The first two quarterback spots are locked between two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and experienced backup Tyler Huntley. 
Pavia is looking to become the first signal-caller in the league under 5-foot-10 to play since Eddie LeBaron did it in 1963. Still, head coach Jesse Minter isn’t closing the door on him, saying, “His foot is in the door. Now show us what you can do.”
Ravens coach Jesse Minter on QB Diego Pavia: His foot is in the door. Now show us what you can do. pic.twitter.com/1UFCKa9zvQ
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 2, 2026

Minter isn’t the only one cheering on the competition. General manager Eric DeCosta made it clear there will be a true competition for the QB3 spot, and he wants to see who rises to the occasion and proves they belong.
On @wbalradio, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said there will be a competition between Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano for No. 3 QB job:
“We feel really good about Lamar [Jackson] and we feel really good about ’Snoop’ Huntley. After that, it’s basically a contest to see who the best man is"
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) April 29, 2026

 
What Pavia lacks in size, he makes up for with heart.
In Baltimore, he brings a winning mentality to the table after reviving Vanderbilt football. But his dual-threat athleticism poses other opportunities. If Pavia can’t win the third-string job, Baltimore could explore signing him to the practice squad. His athleticism could even lend itself to a position change — though that remains purely speculative.
Pavia’s journey to make his NFL dreams come true won’t be easy. After all, the NFL isn’t called ‘Not For Long’ for nothing.
If Diego Pavia wants to stick, he will need to do whatever it takes.
Benjamin Stautzenbach is a senior at West Virginia University, pursuing a degree in Sports and Adventure Media. He serves on the sports staff at U92 The Moose, where he discusses current events in the sports realm and writes game previews for his school. As the Lead Ravens content writer, he aspires to build a career as a sports commentator.
Few sports generate year-round engagement like the NFL. Even when games are…
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had a lot of hype going into last…
Every NFL generation is defined by a new wave of quarterbacks capable…
Usually, when a player is under contract with a team, there isn’t…
The Lead is where casual fans become diehards. We cover big and small markets alike, no matter the size, by providing commentary and analysis on topics other outlets overlook. By fans and for fans, The Lead prides itself on a group of invested contributors who seek to bring authenticity and nuance back to the sports media space.
Copyright © 2016-2026 The Lead Sports Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

source