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Diego Pavia is one of the most well-known players in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
That doesn't mean the Vanderbilt QB is one of the best, though.
His draft stock will be a fascinating one to follow as the draft rolls on -- first round Thursday, second and third rounds Friday and fourth through seventh rounds Saturday.
Pavia is a polarizing prospect after being such a culture changer at Vandy.
His NFL future is no sure thing.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
Did Diego Pavia get drafted?
Not in Thursday night's first round, no.
The reality, though, is that Pavia was never expected to be a first-round pick.
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Why didn't Diego Pavia get drafted in 1st round?
Pavia doesn't have the physical traits to be viewed as a first-round QB.
He's a bit too short, and he also doesn't have immense arm talent.
Pavia won games at Vandy with confidence, running ability and a clutch gene. He's certainly a good quarterback, but it's hard to see his full game translating to be an NFL starter.
Two quarterbacks went in the first round Thursday: Indiana's Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 to the Raiders, and Alabama's Ty Simpson at No. 13 to the Rams.
Pavia might still have to wait a while, but he'll likely get picked at some point in the middle to late rounds.
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