The Baltimore Ravens brought in Diego Pavia as an UDFA, and head coach Jesse Minter delivered a simple message to him on his football journey.
Initially, the Baltimore Ravens sent out an invitation for Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to join their rookie mini camp. Before that could even occur, the team instead signed him to a three-year deal.
The Heisman Trophy runner-up has since appeared at the mini camp, with Ravens head coach Jesse Minter delivering a simple yet strong message to the somewhat controversial quarterback about continuing his football journey.
Minter had previously spoken about Pavia, indicating that the team would give him a "clean slate" to see how he can operate in their offense, and potentially make something of his mini camp invite. Following practice on Saturday, the Baltimore head coach delivered a message to the quarterback prospect.
"So now he's just he's in the door, you know, and it's like 'show us what you can do. Let the chips fall where they may.' And just like all the undrafted rookies, that's what I would say," Minter said.
Pavia was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, following his loss of the Hesiman Trophy. He posted an image on Instagram after losing to Fernando Mendoza with a caption that said, "F- ALL THE VOTERS."
Pavia later apologized, and there are other "character concerns" that have been brought up, such as being labeled arrogant and cocky, though the Vanderbilt passer has stated that his his confidence.
Regardless of how he is perceived, he has a chance to carve out a significant role with the Ravens. The team currently has four quarterbacks on the roster, with Pavia and also recently signed UConn prospect Joe Fagnano.
Both will battle it out for the third-string quarterback position behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Thus far, Minter seems impressed by Pavia's work ethic.
Yeah, Diego, you know, just like a lot of the undrafted free agent, you know, trying to make his mark and honestly, it's the first two days, so it's it's just so much learning. So much about just kind of getting acclimated to how we operate, getting acclimated, especially to a new offense. For a quarterback's perspective. This guy again, you know, I know the program that he came from. I know a lot of people that worked with him, kind of what I think he is as a person. Really, really hard worker. I think he was a um help really helped elevate that program in the SEC playing against really good competition," Minter said.
Pavia and Fagnano are both entering the offseason with hopes that the Ravens may keep them on the roster. Though the team is not expected to take more than three quarterbacks into the regular season, their work ethic could lead to remaining after cuts are made.
Should the Ravens bring in a veteran option, it is believed that both may not be on the roster come Week 1. However, Pavia does have a chance to turn the corner on the negative perception he has garnered.
Should he make a positive impact, this could also lead to another opportunity with another organization. For now, he must simply show the same skill set that led to being runner-up in Heisman Trophy votes.