Despite finishing as a runner-up in the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting, Diego Pavia went undrafted last week in Pittsburgh. The general belief among fans and commentators is that the former Vanderbilt quarterback was snubbed due to his measurables, which are crucial in NFL scouting.
Amid the frenzy his draft snub has created in the football world, Breiden Fehoko sparked a debate, highlighting the league’s inconsistency in its evaluation standards. The former defensive lineman questioned why Pavia went undrafted and Reuben Bain Jr. went off the board in the first round despite measurable concerns.
Thanks for the submission!
“So let me get this straight…. When it comes to Diego Pavia Heisman runner-up, forget what the tape says “we have to understand his measurables don’t equate to nfl success and history of his position.” But a guy like Reuben Bain we should ignore that no defensive lineman with arms less than 31 inches has had double-digit sacks and “watch the tape because he’s an anomaly,” Fehoko wrote on X.
•
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Diego Pavia delivered one of the most impressive college quarterback seasons in recent memory in 2025, leading Vanderbilt to its best-ever season, with a 10-3 record. Fehoko, who played with Russell Wilson at the Pittsburgh Steelers, sees no reason for why he can’t thrive in the league with his measurables.
During the draft process, quarterbacks face heightened scrutiny on size, mechanics and intangibles due to the precision the position demands in the complex pro scheme. While Reuben Bain’s arm can be overlooked, Pavia’s size and is a big concern for many NFL teams.
Pat McAfee calls Diego Pavia a “UFL QB Blueprint”
Diego Pavia’s NFL future remains in significant doubt after going undrafted. Nonetheless, Pat McAfee believes the quarterback can thrive elsewhere outside the league. In a social media post on Sunday, the ESPN analyst outlined why he thinks Pavia is well-suited for the UFL.
“I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball.. just an absolute sensation,” McAfee wrote on X. “Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly. I think a lot of what made him fantastic for College was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL ‘prospect.’
“Size, speed, style of play, personality.. you name it, all of it PERFECT for college not necessarily the prototypical NFL ‘prospect.’ If he gets in a building and finds success I’d be pumped for him and his family.. NOW If it doesn’t work out.. is he not the UFL QB Blueprint? Recognizable name.. can move.. not scared to promote.”
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Pavia has been invited to the Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp next week. This is his opportunity to lay a claim on an NFL future. However, outside his measurables, his polarizing personality can also cost him a lot in the process.
Edited by Farouk Yusuf
