Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is one of the most polarizing prospects to enter the NFL Draft since Johnny Manziel, who, ironically, is mentoring the Heisman Trophy finalist.
On paper, Pavia's numbers should have NFL scouts drooling: The former zero-star recruit completed 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 scores this fall. And he did it in the SEC, against a strength of schedule ranked No. 28 nationally, highlighted by matchups with six top-25 opponents.
Pavia also led Vanderbilt — the longtime doormat of the SEC — to its first 10-win season in program history at 10-3 in 2025. He departed the Commodores with a 17-9 record across his two seasons as a starter, a remarkable feat given the program had managed just 12 wins in the five seasons before his arrival.
Still, he's considered a fringe Day 3 NFL Draft prospect following a solid NFL Combine performance. So, what's the deal?
Are NFL teams hesitating over potential character concerns — like his post-Heisman "F-all the voters" rant after finishing second in the race?
Team insiders and national experts shared the inside scoop on where Pavia truly stands among NFL front offices.