The 2026 NFL Draft has come to an end with 257 players being selected to achieve their dreams of being drafted to the NFL. One of the most notable players to go undrafted is Diego Pavia, who is now the first Heisman trophy finalist to do so since Jordan Lynch in 2014.
As the runner-up behind eventual No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, Pavia had a show-stopping 2025 season for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
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He racked up 3,539 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Despite the tremendous 10-3 season, Pavia went undrafted for a number of potential reasons. First of all, he measured in at just 5’10” at the senior bowl. At a position that heavily favors taller players, Pavia would be one of the shortest quarterbacks in the NFL.
At 24, Pavia’s age may also have been a factor in teams passing on him. He would be joining a team as a role player, and Pavia’s outspokenness and potential off-field antics only made teams hesitate more.
There are currently no reports of him agreeing to a deal with a team, but that’s the route he’ll need to go to secure an NFL roster spot.
Many of the teams that needed a quarterback have already filled that role, so it’s not a guarantee that he’ll make a roster.
Several other notable players went undrafted as well. Pittsburgh runningback Desmond Reid is also an undersized prospect and he’s already agreed to a deal with the Buffalo Bills.
Ole Miss offensive tackle Diego Pounds is one of the better players that wasn’t selected. He boasts elite athleticism that helped land him a deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
At 6’5″ with great speed, Cincinnati wide receiver Jeff Caldwell could be a sleeper pick up for the Kansas City Chiefs.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
