It's been a whirlwind week for Diego Pavia, but the former Vanderbilt standout can finally exhale. The 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist has officially inked a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Just days after going undrafted, Pavia has turned a rookie minicamp invite into a full-fledged NFL contract.
Pavia's path to the pros wasn't exactly a straight line. Despite lighting up the SEC with 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns in his final season at Vanderbilt, he didn't hear his name called during the draft. That snub stung, but it also fueled a fire that's now burning in Baltimore.
“It’s been a crazy few days, but I’m just grateful for this chance,” Pavia said in a statement. “The Ravens believe in me, and I’m ready to prove them right.”
After the draft, Pavia accepted an invitation to Baltimore's rookie minicamp. He also landed on the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers negotiation list, but the NFL dream never wavered. Now, with a three-year contract in hand, he's set to compete for a roster spot behind reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.
Pavia isn't walking into this blind. He's had a mentor in former Texas A&M and NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, who's been offering guidance throughout the process. “He’s giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process,” Pavia said. “He always reaches out, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good. He’s just a friend to me, and he’s given me some good advice, for sure.”
Manziel's NFL career was brief, but his advice could be invaluable for Pavia as he navigates the league. The Ravens have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, and Pavia's dual-threat ability fits their system well.
Pavia's journey has been one of resilience. After leading Vanderbilt to an unexpected bowl game and earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, he was still overlooked by every team in the draft. That snub sparked plenty of debate, with Skip Bayless blasting NFL teams for passing on him and Deion Sanders offering a perfect response to the draft snub that lifted spirits.
Now, Pavia gets his shot. He'll learn from Jackson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, and compete with other young arms for a backup role. The Ravens have a history of giving undrafted players a chance, and Pavia is the latest to benefit from that philosophy.
For Pavia, the message is clear: the draft isn't the end of the road. It's just the beginning. And in Baltimore, he's got a three-year runway to prove he belongs.
