The 2026 NFL Draft always brings the debate, but this one hit a different level when a former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle weighed in on one of the class’s biggest surprises. While teams invested heavily in quarterbacks like Ty Simpson, he turned the spotlight on an undrafted name that barely heard his phone ring over the weekend.
Diego Pavia, the former Vanderbilt quarterback, went unselected despite a highly productive season and strong underlying metrics. That disconnect between production and perception has fueled plenty of debate, especially when compared to a player like Simpson, who came off the board at No. 13 overall to the Los Angeles Rams.
Diego Pavia’s Season Fuels Ty Simpson Comparison
The conversation kicked off when Breiden Fehoko shared his assessment on social media.
“Diego Pavia was better than Ty Simpson this year but the world isn’t ready for that conversation,” Fehoko posted on X.
It is the kind of statement that immediately divides fans. Simpson was viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects in the class, while Pavia was often labeled as a fringe NFL talent.
A couple of hours later on his podcast, Fehoko doubled down, expanding the argument.
“Diego Pavia was a better quarterback than every other quarterback in college football that wasn’t named Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck.”
“Diego Pavia was a better quarterback than every other quarterback in college football that wasn’t named Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck” pic.twitter.com/R6yNiA1LFK
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) April 26, 2026
That is a bold claim, given how this class was evaluated. Mendoza went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, even as some questioned whether he would have topped stronger classes in other years. Beck, meanwhile, slid to the third round before landing with the Arizona Cardinals.
Fehoko’s stance puts Pavia firmly in that upper tier, at least in terms of on-field performance, and there’s a statistical case to support it.
Pavia finished the season with 3,192 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He posted a 94.8 QB Impact Score from PFSN, earning an A grade and ranking No. 1 among all quarterbacks in college football.
Why Did Pavia Go Undrafted Despite Elite College Production?
Despite all the numbers and praise, NFL teams still had concerns, and they were not minor. Pavia measured in at just under 5-foot-10, making him shorter than both Kyler Murray and Bryce Young. That lack of size impacts everything from visibility in the pocket to long-term durability.
Beyond the physical profile, PFSN’s scouting report was more tempered, highlighting limitations that are difficult to overcome at the next level.
“His processing isn’t quite NFL-caliber, nor is his arm strength, and even his athleticism might not be as prevalent against NFL talent.”
That is the kind of assessment that tends to push quarterbacks down boards, regardless of production. Teams are willing to bet on traits, and in Pavia’s case, the ceiling appears limited.
Still, the same report acknowledges there is a path forward.
“Pavia has the desired mobility, toughness, and quick-game utility to function as an NFL backup, but his ceiling is likely capped beyond that.”
That projection explains why he slipped out of the draft, but it doesn’t end the story. Quarterbacks with similar profiles have carved out roles by landing in the right system.
Potential fits like the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears make sense. Each offers a structure that supports mobility and quick decision-making, especially in a backup role.
MORE: NFL UDFA Tracker 2026: Latest Undrafted Free Agent Signings Following the 2026 NFL Draft
Fehoko’s comments may sound extreme, but they highlight a familiar tension in draft season: production versus projection. Pavia dominated in college by the numbers, while Simpson checked more of the traditional boxes NFL teams prioritize.
Now it becomes a waiting game. If Pavia lands in the right spot and proves he can translate even part of his Vanderbilt production, he could settle this debate.
