Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavis evokes a myriad of evaluations, on and off the field. The former college standout makes impressions on whoever he encounters during the draft process.
Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia Falls Flat with Scouts, According to CFB Insider
From the moment he left Las Cruces for Nashville, Pavia began to gain attention. Whether it was his flashy playing style, the results it generated, or his demeanor, the signal-caller knows how to garner attention in all aspects.
Bruce Feldman, a college football insider from The Athletic, relayed Senior Bowl information that could serve as a red flag for Pavia at 39:40 of this clip.
“So, some of the things, you know, talking to some scouts who were down in Mobile, they didn’t love him in terms of his, I don’t know if we want to call it his demeanor or how he came across. They were just a little bit turned off at times. I don’t know if that’s more posturing or not.”
Feldman’s information comes on the heels of criticism of Pavia’s post-Heisman Trophy behavior. Instead of offering congratulations to the winner, Fernando Mendoza, he lashed out at voters in a video that made its way around. Granted, confidence is what makes some athletes excel. However, during draft season, scouts may not appreciate that.
In the same interview, Feldman and the hosts discuss Pavia’s other issue: his height and limitations. Now, standing a shade under five-foot-ten may not completely be a disqualifying trait. At the same time, you do not see NFL quarterbacks under five-foot-ten, and even those are rare.
Shorter quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray made millions, winning games despite standing under six feet tall. However, they possess something that Pavia lacks. Those NFL veterans can throw the ball to all areas of the field, especially down the middle.
Pavia struggles with deep middle throws. Due to limited sight lines, throwing lines, and arm strength, the Vanderbilt product struggles to connect. For example, during his last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus, he completed 35% of his middle passes of more than 20 yards.
Meanwhile, Mendoza connected on 68.1%. NFL teams understand what opposing quarterbacks can and cannot do. If they see Pavia working the short, intermediate area, they will roll the safeties up. As a result, they will dare him to throw vertically.
Under those perceived limitations, maybe Pavia’s approach didn’t sit well with scouts. From a production standpoint, he willed Vanderbilt to its first ten-win season in school history. Pavia served as the catalyst. He ranked No. 1 in the PFSN CFB QB Impact Rankings. How he can make his on-field accomplishments, attitude, or height remains to be seen.
