The road to the NFL Draft is paved with intense scrutiny, but Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has seemingly invited a landslide of doubt onto his own path. With the 2026 selection event just weeks away, a growing chorus of NFL fans is convinced the talented signal-caller has single-handedly wrecked his draft stock, and the reason has a name: Johnny Manziel.
Pavia, a Heisman Trophy finalist after a spectacular season boasting 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns, is no stranger to headlines. Yet, it's his off-field decisions that are now drowning out the on-field accolades. In a revelation that sent shockwaves through the football community, Pavia disclosed at the NFL Scouting Combine that he's been receiving mentorship and "good advice" from the former Cleveland Browns quarterback.
"He's giving me what to look out for, what it's like, how to stay in the process," Pavia explained. "He always reaches out, checks up on me... he's just a friend to me. He's giving me some mentorship." This partnership, intended to prepare Pavia for the professional leap, has instead triggered a massive wave of skepticism from the league's passionate fanbase.
A Fanbase in Full Revolt
The reaction on social media and sports forums has been swift and severe. Fans are questioning the logic behind seeking counsel from a figure whose own NFL career is widely viewed as a cautionary tale. "Why is a failed NFL QB coaching a kid wanting to go into the NFL?" one fan demanded, capturing the sentiment of many. Others were even more blunt, labeling the situation a "recipe for disaster."
Some responses reflected a sense of bewildered awe at Pavia's choices. "Seriously, what could Pavia do that would make him MORE toxic to NFL teams at this point?" one comment read. "This is one of the most impressive feats of self-destruction I've ever seen." The pessimism grew so thick that another supporter suggested, "He might as well just retire at this point." The overarching question from the stands is a simple, exasperated: "What is he doing?"
The Other Side of the Coin: A Perfect Mentor?
Despite the fan fury, there exists a compelling counter-argument. If Pavia's goal is a long and successful NFL career, who better to learn from than someone who brilliantly navigated the college landscape only to flame out spectacularly in the pros? Johnny Manziel's NFL tenure was brief and tumultuous, lasting just two seasons with the Browns and yielding 1,675 passing yards with as many touchdowns as interceptions (seven).
Proponents of this view suggest Manziel is uniquely positioned to offer Pavia the ultimate guide on pitfalls to avoid—the off-field distractions, the media pressures, and the adjustment challenges that derailed his own potential. In this light, Manziel isn't teaching Pavia how to be Johnny Football; he's teaching him how not to be.
The coming weeks will be critical for Diego Pavia. NFL front offices must now weigh his undeniable on-field production and athletic prowess against the perceived risk of his decision-making and associations. While fans may have already written his draft card, scouts have a more nuanced, if wary, task ahead.
Can a player learn from history's mistakes, or is he doomed to repeat them? The debate over Pavia's future is no longer just about his arm talent or rushing ability; it's a referendum on redemption, mentorship, and whether a spectacular college career can survive a pre-draft narrative spinning out of control. The verdict will be delivered on draft night.
