Eric DeCosta Loves Diego Pavia’s ‘Grit,’ Sets Up No. 3 Quarterback Competition Diego Pavia, a former state champion wrestler and Heisman Trophy finalist, has joined the Baltimore Ravens’ undrafted rookie class for 2026, setting up a competitive battle for the No. 3 quarterback role behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. General Manager Eric DeCosta confirmed Pavia’s signing during an appearance on "The Lounge" podcast, praising the quarterback’s resilience and performance. Pavia, who played college football at Vanderbilt, was a standout performer despite going undrafted. Last season, he threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while also rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores. His achievements earned him the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award and a spot as SEC Offensive Player of the Year. However, his 5-foot-10 frame and a controversial post about not winning the Heisman Trophy—later apologized for—led to him being overlooked by NFL teams. DeCosta highlighted Pavia’s “phenomenal” season, emphasizing his “competitive desire and grit.” The Ravens’ decision to sign Pavia was part of a broader strategy to bolster their quarterback depth, with the team also reportedly agreeing to sign undrafted quarterback Joe Fagnano. Fagnano, a 6-foot-3 prospect from Connecticut, had a strong final season with 3,448 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 69% completion rate. While Fagnano is seen as a solid option, Pavia’s unique background and performance have positioned him as a key contender. Pavia’s journey to football began with wrestling, where he won the 195-pound state title in high school. Despite being a no-star recruit, he chose football over wrestling, securing a partial scholarship from Nebraska before transferring to New Mexico Military Institute. There, he led his team to a 12-1 record and a junior college national championship.#baltimore_ravens #eric_decosta #vanderbilt #diego_pavia #clark_lea
Ravens Head Coach Jesse Minter Ready to Give QB Diego Pavia 'Clean Slate' in Baltimore Diego Pavia, the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up, has secured a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, marking a significant move for the undrafted free agent who once languished in the shadows of NFL drafts. The deal, finalized before Pavia completed a scheduled tryout with the Ravens, brings a high-profile name into an organization already anchored by franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. Pavia’s arrival has sparked anticipation, as his reputation as a transformative leader at Vanderbilt University positions him as a potential game-changer for the Ravens. Jesse Minter, the Ravens’ head coach, has expressed confidence in Pavia’s ability to redefine his career in Baltimore. Minter emphasized that Pavia’s impact at Vanderbilt was instrumental in elevating the struggling program into a Southeastern Conference contender. “Diego was a force multiplier at Vanderbilt,” Minter said during an appearance on Good Morning Football. “He came there at a time when they needed to get it going, and he made everybody in the building better. He’s one of the first people in, one of the last to leave. He’s a really hard worker.” Minter’s willingness to grant Pavia a “clean slate” reflects the Ravens’ openness to nurturing his potential despite the quarterback’s unconventional profile. Pavia’s journey to the NFL has been marked by resilience. After going undrafted in 2025, he leveraged his Heisman-winning season at Vanderbilt to attract attention. His leadership and unyielding confidence propelled the Commodores to a historic turnaround, culminating in a playoff berth. However, his physical attributes—5-foot-10 and 207 pounds—raise questions about his readiness for the NFL.#baltimore_ravens #lamar_jackson #vanderbilt_university #jessie_minter #diego_pavia
Baltimore Ravens Add Undrafted QBs Diego Pavia, Joe Fagnano Ahead of Minicamp The Baltimore Ravens have officially signed undrafted quarterback Diego Pavia and Connecticut quarterback Joe Fagnano, securing their spots on the team’s roster ahead of the upcoming rookie minicamp. The moves were finalized on Tuesday, three days before the minicamp, which is set to begin on Friday. The Ravens, who had additional roster space, aimed to give both players an equal opportunity to compete for the No. 3 quarterback position in the wake of established starters Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence in the team’s current quarterback depth while emphasizing the importance of competition. Speaking to WBAL Radio, DeCosta highlighted Pavia’s talent, stating, “I think the young man is a talented player. I’m excited to see what he brings this weekend, and there will be a competition. We feel really good about Lamar and Tyler. After that, it’s basically a contest to see who the best man is.” The Ravens plan to evaluate both Pavia and Fagnano during the minicamp, with the ultimate decision on their futures pending further performance assessments. Diego Pavia, a standout from Vanderbilt, has drawn significant attention for his collegiate career. He became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted in 12 years, a distinction that underscores his elite status despite not being selected in the NFL draft. Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season in school history, finishing with a 10-3 record. His performance was marked by exceptional production, including 29 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns, which earned him first-team All-American honors and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.#baltimore_ravens #eric_decosta #vanderbilt #diego_pavia #joe_fagnano
Fernando Mendoza's Odds to Be First Pick Drop to -20000 The odds for Fernando Mendoza to be selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft have plummeted to -20000 at DraftKings, marking a significant shift from his previous -10000 status just a week prior. This dramatic change has sparked discussions among sports analysts and fans, as the once-promising prospect now faces steep challenges in securing the top spot. The odds reflect a growing consensus that Mendoza, a quarterback from the University of Alabama, is no longer the overwhelming favorite to lead the draft. The term "Mendoza line" has taken on a new meaning in the context of the 2026 draft. In baseball, the phrase refers to a batting average of .200, a benchmark for performance. However, in football, the term now symbolizes Mendoza’s plummeting odds. The -20000 line indicates that bettors would need to wager $20,000 to win $100, a steep price that has led many to question the practicality of such a bet. Despite the high stakes, the odds have not been removed from the market, leaving room for speculative wagers. Mendoza’s journey to the top of the draft has been marked by both promise and controversy. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he quickly became a focal point for teams looking for a long-term solution at quarterback. His college career at Alabama, where he led the team to a national championship, showcased his potential. However, his performance in the 2025 season, which included a mix of standout moments and critical errors, has raised doubts about his readiness for the NFL. The drop in odds comes as other prospects, such as Diego Pavia and Cade Klubnik, have emerged as viable alternatives.#university_of_alabama #fernando_mendoza #draftkings #diego_pavia #university_of_oregon
