In a rare turn of events following the 2026 NFL draft, a draft-eligible Heisman Trophy finalist was not selected for the first time since 2014. Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who finished as a Heisman finalist, found himself without a draft spot and initially struggled to secure a place among undrafted free agents—some of which roster nearly 20 players.
Pavia’s fortunes changed when he accepted an invitation to participate in the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. This opportunity provides him with a platform to prove his worth and potentially earn a spot on the offseason roster. Success during the weekend session with other rookies and tryout players could secure him a place on the 90-man roster, followed by further evaluation during the remainder of the offseason program.
If Pavia impresses enough, he may then compete for a spot on the 53-man regular-season roster or the practice squad. However, the path ahead is challenging, as he aims to silence critics who deemed him both undraftable and unsignable.
Should the NFL route prove too steep, alternative leagues like the CFL or UFL could offer live game reps to further his career. Regardless of the route, Pavia’s journey remains a compelling narrative of perseverance and opportunity.
"It's a steep hill to climb. But Pavia has a chance to show that the scouts who made him not only undraftable but also unsignable got it wrong."
The Ravens’ rookie minicamp represents Pavia’s first step toward proving his doubters incorrect. What unfolds next will depend entirely on his performance.
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