The Baltimore Ravens have invited Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia to the rookie mini camp, which he has accepted. But what does it mean?
One of the most surprising aspects of the 2026 NFL Draft is that Heisman Trophy runner-up, Diego Pavia, was not drafted. The Vanderbilt quarterback has now accepted a rookie mini camp invite from the Baltimore Ravens, but what does it mean?
Pavia's invitation may have been simply due to respect for the type of play that he has produced on the field. In two seasons with Vanderbilt, he threw 5,832 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 12 inerceptions.
Pavia also led the SEC in 2025 with a 70.6 completion percentage, 29 touchdowns, a 9.4 yard per attempt, and 170.4 passer rating. Still, he went undrafted, which is likely due to the "character concerns" he has exhibited through his collegiate career.
Pavia does not have an agent; he has been outspoken, and there are reports that he urinated on an opponent's field. There are a ton of perceived notions regarding the young passer, but he has chosen to move forward with an invite from the Ravens to their rookie mini camp.
Despite Pavia set to perform with the Ravens, it may or may not lead to a deal with the organization or someone else. Teams often sign multiple undrafted free agents, who join rosters with the hopes of landing on a 53-man roster.
At the very least, their performances on one organziation could lead to an opportunity with another. That could be the case for Pavia.
Pavia has a strong arm and proved that he can lead a team, hence his multiple SEC led categories and taking second in the Heisman Trophy race. However, he must now shed the potential misconceptions about his character to play on a team.
Currently the Ravens have Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on the roster, but no other quarterbacks. If Pavia can showcase some skills to head coach Jesse Minter, they may carve out a role for him a the third emergency quarterback and practice squad option.
Then again, if he outperforms, he could also use that as trajectory to land with a team and get an even bigger role. Pavia is still a rookie prospect that must prove himself, and that can start with the Ravens.
Willingly accepting an invite to a rookie mini camp should go a long way in showcasing that Pavia does not believe himself to be above an opportunity such as that. Going undrafted does not mean that his career is over or anything.
There are a multitude of undrafted players that often make the 53-man roster, and become great players. Some examples are quarterback Kurt Warner, who went undrafted and went on to win a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP, and is now in the Hall of Fame.
The same can be said for tight end Antonio Gates, who is also in the Hall of Fame.
Pavia has the chance to take the perceived notions about him and ignore those for a better chance at provinh himself at the NFL level. There is a real chance the Ravens offer him a contract, but he could also play himself into an opportunity with another team.