With the 2026 NFL Draft roughly two months away, fans firmly believe Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia won't be selected.
Pavia was named a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season after having 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards and 39 total touchdowns. Although he produced at a very high level, there were plenty of people annoyed by his off-field antics.
In an effort to get himself ready for the NFL, Pavia revealed that he's been receiving advice from former Texas A&M quarterback 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."
Dec 31, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
After Pavia shared this information at the NFL Scouting Combine, fans questioned if Manziel is the right person to seek advice from.
"Why is a failed NFL QB coaching a kid wanting to go into the NFL," a fan asked.
"Recipe for disaster," a second fan commented.
"Seriously, what could Pavia do that would make him MORE toxic to NFL teams at this point? This is one of the most impressive feats of self-destruction I've ever seen," another fan declared.
"He might as well should just retire at this point," one person wrote on social media.
Why Manziel might be the perfect mentor for Pavia.
If the goal for Pavia is to have a long career in the NFL, learning what not to do from Manziel makes a lot of sense.
As great as Manziel was at the collegiate level, he only spent two years with the Cleveland Browns before finding himself out of the NFL. He finished his pro career with 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Maybe, just maybe, Manziel can help Pavia develop into a legitimate starter in the NFL.
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