Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is one of this year’s draft cycle’s most intriguing prospects after a unique path to the pinnacle of college football. In a draft class notoriously light on quarterback talent, the position of the second quarterback off the board is wide open.
Pavia has faced intense scrutiny over his height and abrasive persona, which was laid bare with a controversial video after he lost the Heisman Trophy to Fernando Mendoza in December.
Analyst Deals Cruel Prediction to Diego Pavia’s Draft Fate
During Thursday’s segment of “The Audible” podcast, draft expert Dane Brugler praised Pavia’s unorthodox style, but predicted a cruel draft fate for the former Vanderbilt quarterback.
“His skillset is both unique and limited,” Brugler said. “He’s very accurate in the short intermediate game, slants, digs, screens, outs. That bulldog competitiveness that he plays with is exceptional in all phases. But especially as a runner, that backyard style really helps him.
“NFL offenses are far more expansive and that backyard style is gonna catch up with him. At a certain point, you kind of reach a ceiling. I think that’s where we are at with Pavia. The lack of ideal size, the lack of ideal arm, it’s gonna be tough to overcome against NFL speed. The scouts aren’t gonna like him. I think there’s a better chance he goes undrafted.”
Pavia helped to elevate the Commodores to an elite status during his two-season stay in Nashville. Last season, he tallied 3,539 passing yards, resulting in 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 862 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, to earn a PFSN College QB Impact score of 94.8.
Pavia’s Height Concerns Emerge
During Thursday’s segment of the “Triple Option” podcast, draft analyst Todd McShay revealed Pavia’s height concerns among teams and compared the former Vandy star to other shorter NFL QBs.
“Height absolutely matters,” said McShay. “You have to be really special to overcome. It’s one thing to be like 6′, 6’1″, it’s another to be 5’10”, 5’11”. Then you watch him throw the football, and he doesn’t quite throw it like Bryce. Certainly doesn’t [throw] like Russell Wilson.
“And then there was Diego — one of these didn’t fit. The ball just doesn’t come out with a lot of juice. I’ll be shocked if he’s an NFL starter. I don’t even know how much value you have as a backup, if I’m being completely honest.”
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is officially stated as 5-foot-10, while New York Giants star Russell Wilson, who has had a storied NFL career, is officially listed as five-foot-11.
