Diego Pavia may have slipped through the NFL Draft without being selected, but the former Vanderbilt star isn't short on suitors. The Heisman Trophy runner-up has drawn interest from multiple NFL teams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that Pavia's phone has been ringing despite going undrafted.
The quarterback will kick off his professional journey this weekend at the Baltimore Ravens' minicamp, but that's just the beginning. Schefter noted that other clubs are waiting in the wings, ready to bring Pavia in for their own camps if the Ravens don't lock him down. “The Ravens’ minicamp is this weekend, but there are other teams that have minicamps the next weekend,” Schefter said. “And there are other teams that want to bring him in if the Ravens don’t sign him … So he’s got a couple of invitations, and we’ll see where he winds up.”
Pavia's draft snub made headlines, especially after he became the first Heisman runner-up in 12 years to go undrafted. But for a player who thrives on proving doubters wrong, the attention from NFL teams is a welcome twist. As Diego Pavia Makes Unwanted NFL Draft History shows, the quarterback is used to overcoming obstacles.
Why the Ravens Could Be a Perfect Fit
Baltimore's quarterback room is currently thin behind superstar Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. That lack of a third signal-caller gives Pavia a real shot to compete for a roster spot. Schefter sees the Ravens' situation as a golden opportunity. “I’m sure he’s disappointed that he didn’t get drafted, of course,” Schefter said. “But, to me, that’s a good opportunity in Baltimore this week. The Ravens currently have two quarterbacks on the roster: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley. They don’t have a third. It’s been a strong organization for a long time.”
The Ravens have a history of developing undrafted talent, and Pavia's dual-threat ability could make him an intriguing project. His college career, capped by an SEC Offensive Player of the Year award, showcased a quarterback who can extend plays and keep defenses guessing. While the draft snub stung, landing with a stable franchise like Baltimore might be the best outcome for Pavia's long-term growth.
What If the NFL Doesn't Work Out?
Pavia isn't putting all his eggs in one basket. The CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers have already placed him on their negotiation list, securing exclusive rights to sign him if he decides to head north. But McAfee, a former NFL punter turned media personality, has another suggestion: the UFL. McAfee took to social media to pitch Pavia as the perfect face for the spring league, writing, “If it doesn’t work out, is he not the UFL QB Blueprint? Recognizable name. Can move. Not scared to promote … Feels like an opportune time for the UFL and for the Pavia show.”
That kind of buzz is nothing new for Pavia, who has already generated plenty of chatter this offseason. From Skip Bayless Blasts NFL Teams for Snubbing Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia to Deion Sanders' Perfect Response to Diego Pavia's Draft Snub Will Lift Your Spirits, the quarterback has remained a hot topic. Even rumors about his agent were quickly put to rest after the draft, as detailed in Diego Pavia Agent Rumors Crushed After Heisman Finalist Goes Undrafted.
For now, all eyes are on Baltimore. Pavia has a chance to turn disappointment into opportunity, and with multiple teams circling, his NFL dream is far from over. The next few weeks will reveal whether the undrafted quarterback can parlay his college stardom into a professional career.
