Few stories from the 2026 NFL Draft cycle have generated more confusion and frustration than what happened to Diego Pavia. After one of the most remarkable seasons in recent college football history, the former Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback not only went undrafted but also initially struggled to land a standard undrafted free agent deal. Now, one prominent voice, Skip Bayless, is speaking out.
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Pavia’s resume speaks for itself:
Despite all of that, his name was never called during the NFL Draft. The result placed him in rare territory, becoming the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
Instead of immediately signing as a priority free agent, Pavia’s path took another unexpected turn. He ultimately accepted a rookie minicamp tryout with the Baltimore Ravens, a route typically reserved for long-shot prospects, not Heisman finalists. That decision only added to the growing disbelief around the football world.
Among those stunned was Skip Bayless, a Vanderbilt alum who didn’t hold back. “I realize his off-field has caused some concerns, but Diego Pavia deserved better than a minicamp tryout with the Ravens,” Bayless wrote. “He did lead the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 6-2 SEC record, did beat Bama the season before, did scare Texas twice.”
Bayless’ comments reflect what many fans and analysts are thinking: how does a player with that level of production fall this far?
The answer likely lies in the gap between on-field performance and NFL projection. Pavia’s size, play style, and perceived limitations at the next level have been widely discussed throughout the pre-draft process. Concerns, both physical and off-field, appear to have outweighed his production in the eyes of NFL decision-makers. Still, for a player with his résumé, the outcome remains difficult to ignore.
If there’s one thing that defines Pavia, it’s belief. He’s been doubted before and responded with results. Now, entering the league through a tryout opportunity, he carries more motivation than ever.
Skip Bayless said what many were already thinking. Diego Pavia’s journey to the NFL didn’t go as expected. But if his college career proved anything, it’s this: This story is far from over.
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