“Diego, just like a lot of the undrafted free agents, (is) trying to make his mark,” said Jesse Minter, the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. This quote encapsulates the uphill battle facing Diego Pavia, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent after a controversial draft experience.
Pavia, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025, finished second to Fernando Mendoza. During his college career at Vanderbilt, he threw for 10,255 yards and rushed for 3,094 yards. Last season alone, he led the SEC in completion percentage (70%), passing touchdowns (29), and yards per attempt (9.4).
That context matters because Pavia is not just any rookie; he is a dual-threat quarterback with significant accolades. However, concerns about his height—standing at just 5-foot-10—and age affected his draft stock. Remarkably, he became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted since 2014.
Pavia’s personality has been described as brash and polarizing. “I feel like the only thing the NFL cares about is can you win, and I view myself as a winner,” he stated confidently during his first minicamp practice.
At the rookie minicamp held in Owings Mills, MD on May 2, 2026, Pavia split practice reps with fellow undrafted quarterback Joe Fagnano. Although he did not throw the ball downfield during practice, he participated actively in individual drills.
For Minter and the Ravens coaching staff, Pavia represents an opportunity. “For us, we see it as an opportunity to bring a player in that could potentially be something,” Minter noted.
Pavia aims to earn an invitation to training camp this summer—a critical step for any rookie looking to secure a spot on an NFL roster. His performance at this minicamp could determine whether he gets that chance.