Full Breakdown
Ravens Sign Undrafted Heisman Runner-Up Diego Pavia to Compete for QB3 Spot
5/3/2026, 7:59:01 AM
Background & Context
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished the 2025 season as the SEC’s leader in passing accuracy (70.6 %), yards per attempt (9.4) and passing touchdowns (29). He also rushed for 862 yards and 10 scores, guiding the Commodores to a 10-3 record—the program’s first ten-win season. Pavia placed second in Heisman Trophy voting, becoming the first finalist since 2003 to go undrafted. At the NFL Scouting Combine he measured just over 5 ft 9 in (some reports list 5 ft 10 in) and weighed 203–207 lb, a size that scouts cited as a primary factor in his draft status.
Data & Statistics
- Completion percentage: 70.6 % (SEC leader)
- Passing yards: 3,539; touchdowns: 29; interceptions: 8
- Rushing yards: 862; rushing touchdowns: 10
- SEC yards-per-attempt: 9.4 (leader)
- Heisman runner-up, first undrafted finalist since Brad Banks (2003)
Official Statements & Responses
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter emphasized familiarity with Vanderbilt’s program, noting that Pavia “is a really, really hard worker” who helped elevate the Commodores against strong competition. Minter said the team “has a place for anywhere from three to five quarterbacks” in the offseason, underscoring flexibility in roster construction. ESPN analyst Jamison Hensley added that Pavia’s dual-threat skill set “fits very well in this Ravens quarterback room” alongside Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. The organization has not committed to a specific number of QBs for the regular season, leaving the third-string spot open to competition.
Criticism & Opposition
Media observers highlighted Pavia’s stature as a potential liability, noting that “no quarterback under 5-10 has been drafted in the NFL’s modern era.” Social-media commentary described him as “built like a fullback,” questioning his ability to transition to the professional level. Additionally, Pavia’s off-field conduct drew scrutiny after a post-Heisman “F-all the voters” tweet, for which he later apologized.
On-the-Ground Reports
During the May 2, 2026 rookie minicamp in Owings Mills, Maryland, Pavia split reps with fellow undrafted quarterback Joe Fagnano and tryout player Billy Atkins. He participated in run, pass and play-action drills, though he did not throw downfield in the media-accessible portion of practice. Rookie running back Adam Randall observed that Pavia “plays with a chip on his shoulder” and brings “great energy and attitude” to the locker room.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Pavia’s exact measurements: the combine listed him at 5 ft 9 in 7/8 in, while other reports cite 5 ft 10 in and a weight range of 203–207 lb. No official depth-chart beyond the top two quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley) has been released, and the team has not disclosed how many quarterbacks it intends to retain for the regular season.
Why It Matters / Impact
If Pavia secures a roster spot, he would provide the Ravens with a mobile, dual-threat option for practice simulations, potentially enhancing preparation for Jackson’s and Huntley’s play styles. His presence also reflects the team’s willingness to evaluate unconventional talent amid evolving quarterback archetypes.
What’s Next
Pavia will compete with Fagnano and Atkins for the third-string quarterback role through offseason workouts and training camp. Final roster cuts are scheduled for late August; if released, he could join the Ravens’ practice squad or attract interest from other NFL teams seeking a versatile backup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Diego, just like a lot of the undrafted free agents, is trying to make his mark,” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “He’s really a guy that plays with a chip on his shoulder,” — Adam Randall, Ravens rookie running back
- “But Pavia, he should fit very well in this Ravens quarterback room because he is a dual-threat quarterback just like Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley,” — Jamison Hensley, ESPN analyst
- “For us, we see it as an opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something,” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
- “He’s had some experiences that are learning experiences that he could learn from and be better from,” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach
