Diego Pavia has landed a spot with the Baltimore Ravens following negative headlines and a draft debacle. Now the quarterback can finally prove himself.

There were 257 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the name Diego Pavia was never called.

Many unknown names were called, but there was silence regarding the Heisman Trophy finalist.

For the first time in twelve years, one of the three players who had made it to the final round of voting for the most coveted college award was not selected.

There had previously been several negative headlines surrounding the 24-year-old. Inappropriate behavior after losing the Heisman vote, disastrous interviews at the Scouting Combine, and what he himself described as confidence—but was actually arrogance—in declaring he didn’t need an agent for the draft so he wouldn’t have to give up any of the expected windfall.

The result was a draft debacle unlike any other.

Baltimore Ravens give Diego Pavia a chance after draft debacle

But the quarterback didn’t have to mope for too long, as the Baltimore Ravens subsequently signed him.

In the meantime, the playmaker has taken his first steps in Baltimore; more specifically, he participated in the team’s rookie minicamp. Last Saturday, Pavia was seen on the field during the second and final day.

The 5-foot-10 signal-caller wore shorts and a black jersey with the number 17. He used the portion of practice open to media representatives primarily to familiarize himself with the playbook and his new teammates.

Diego Pavia: Ravens Coach Has Ties to Vanderbilt

“Diego, just like many other undrafted free agents, is trying to make a name for himself,” emphasized Head Coach Jesse Minter.

“I know the program he comes from. I know a lot of people who have worked with him, and I have an idea of what kind of person he is—a really, really hard worker. I think he really helped elevate that program to a higher level in the SEC by playing against really tough opponents.”

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In 2024 and 2025, Diego Pavia played college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores. A team for which Ravens head coach Minter himself served as defensive coordinator in 2021. Even today, Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea is among his closest friends—and was thus able to speak about the young quarterback, his strengths, and his weaknesses.

“Pavia has had some experiences from which he could learn and grow. I don’t think anyone would dispute that,” said Minter. “But when you talk to the people at Vanderbilt and learn what kind of player he is, it becomes clear that he’s there early every day and works really hard.”

Diego Pavia: Appearance at the Ravens’ rookie minicamp

The 24-year-old also put in the work at the minicamp. Alongside fellow free agent and former UConn QB Joe Fagnano and former James Madison University playmaker Billy Atkins, he completed the training session.

Running, passing, and play-action plays were on the agenda. However, no overly long passes were thrown, as the wide receivers were still learning their routes themselves.

And yet: Pavia has arrived. Or as his new head coach put it: “He’s an undrafted rookie free agent. He’s got his foot in the door—now he has to make the most of it. He’s part of the team now. And that means: ‘Show us what you’ve got, and just let it come at you.’”

Baltimore Ravens: Teammate raves about Diego Pavia

Although the Heisman finalist himself wasn’t available for interviews, he was still a hot topic of conversation.

“He’s a really great guy—someone who plays with a certain fire in his belly. I met him at the Senior Bowl. I really believe that the two of us are in the process of building a good relationship,” Adam Randall said positively when asked.

The former Clemson Tigers running back was drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round.

“He has great energy and attitude, and he’s a fighter. That’s really all you could ask for in a teammate, and I know that every time he steps onto the field, he’ll give it his all,” Randall continued.

Baltimore Ravens: Diego Pavia Must Go It Alone

But how far can that attitude take him? A question that will take some time to answer. Behind superstar Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley, Pavia is one of the candidates currently vying for the job as the third-string quarterback.

In any case, the 24-year-old has more to lose than his franchise.

When asked about signing Pavia, Head Coach Minter explained: “For us, it’s an opportunity to sign a player who has what it takes to achieve something great. And that’s exactly what we’re all about.”

But Pavia has to walk that path himself. And preferably without any further antics.