Denver Broncos have golden opportunity to spice up Mr. Irrelevant retreat

The Denver Broncos don't need a quarterback with Bo Nix in the Mile High City for the foreseeable future. Yet, there should be some consideration to draft one at the end of the 2026 NFL Draft.

With Diego Pavia still available to start the 7th Round in Pittsburgh, Sean Payton and the Broncos could take the Vanderbilt quarterback for one of the best PR reasons. The Heisman runner-up would be closest to his home in Albuquerque, but also the Mr. Irrelevant retreat would take on a new identity.

Pavia would be able to breathe new life after being passed over. Not to mention, if Bo Nix were to go down again, they would have a solid backup ready to spark interest in the game. All jokes aside, Pavia would embrace the opportunity and run with it.

In 2025, Pavia threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while also leading the SEC in quarterback rating (170.4). He also ran for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over two seasons in Nashville, Pavia had 5,832 yards and 49 touchdowns and 12 interceptions passing in 26 career games.

More: Diego Pavia 2026 NFL Draft tracker live updates on Vanderbilt quarterback

The Broncos will select the next Mr. Irrelevant in this year's draft at No. 257 overall. 

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• Diego Paiva receives unexpected projection in latest NFL mock draft
• Eli Stowers dishes on former Vanderbilt roommate Diego Pavia
• Diego Pavia makes terrible mistake ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
• Todd McShay said the uncomfortable thing out loud about Diego Pavia
• Diego Pavia is this draft's Shedeur Sanders