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Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia put up a combined 4,401 yards both through the air and on the ground in the 2025 season. The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy scored almost 40 touchdowns combined. A 170-season rating average and almost 71% completions should have put him firmly in the top 100.
However, there are several factors working against Pavia. He was listed by Vanderbilt to be 6'0. While that is respectable, it is below the mark of what NFL teams look for. That was made into an even bigger concern when he measured 5'9" and 7/8" at the Senior Bowl. Excluding Kyler Murray's NFL Rookie of the Year season, there has not been a 'successful' NFL QB under 5-foot-10 since 2000.
Despite the size concern there is a skill set concern. What Pavia did at Vanderbilt can work in the college game, but has very little success at the NFL level. Too many big plays off the platform, relies too much on his legs, and he is not viewed as a QB that can stand and deliver from the pocket.
Then there's off the field antics. Pavia is making the same mistakes that Shedeur Sanders and others have made in recent memory. He's trying to speak a draft stock into existence that no one else agrees with. He has been dismissive of the talent level of other players. He confirmed to Jon Gruden that he would not hire an agent.
Diego Pavia live updates and social media reactions
Diego Pavia isn't a first-rounder in the NFL.
With Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson going at the top end of the first round, when will the next QB come off the board?
The big sports law question for the 2026 NFL Draft: When will Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia—who began what has become more than 70 eligibility lawsuits against the NCAA to extend their time as college athletes—be drafted?
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) April 24, 2026— NFL (@NFL) April 15, 20262026 NFL Draft How to Watch
The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network-- available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
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