Although the past few days haven't been easy for him, Diego Pavia can officially call himself an NFL quarterback.
Pavia, a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist, had 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards and 39 total touchdowns during his final season at Vanderbilt. Despite being incredibly productive in the SEC, he went undrafted last week.
After the seventh round came to an end, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Pavia accepted an invitation to the Baltimore Ravens' rookie minicamp. It was also revealed that he was placed on the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers negotiation list.
On Tuesday, however, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year received an official NFL contract that'll span well past minicamp.
Schefter just announced that Baltimore is signing Pavia to a three-year deal. The terms of this contract haven't been revealed by the Ravens.
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Pavia received advice from a former NFL quarterback.
Before the NFL Draft even took place, Pavia received a few pointers from Texas A&M legend Johnny Manziel.
“He’s giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process. And, you know, he’s given me some good advice, for sure,” Pavia said, via Pro Football Talk. “And he always reaches out, too, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he just, like, he’s just a friend to me, you know? And so he’s giving me some mentorship. He’s been around me, he’s been around my family. He’s just a great person for those that really don’t know him.”
Manziel had just 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions during his NFL career. Maybe, just maybe, his advice will steer Pavia in the right direction.
For now though, Pavia will try to learn a thing or two from Lamar Jackson.
