NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia

Diego Pavia is a ultra-competitve and experienced quarterback with adequate physical tools that should translate to the NFL.

The 5'9", 205-pound prospect joined New Mexico State as a 2-star recruit in the 2022 class. He transferred to Vanderbilt ahead of the 2024 season.

Pavia started 49 games across his collegiate career. He projects as an undersized backup quarterback in the NFL, albeit one with a "gamer" mentality who will put everything on the line for his team.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Where He Wins

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- Plus-level athlete with off-script playmaking prowess whenever protection breaks down. Can create plays out of the pocket as a runner and thrower.

- Surpasses the NFL's 25 college starts threshold. Has played a lot of football and should be able to pick up an NFL playbook quickly.

- Plus-level arm talent to push the ball down the field. Applies above-average velocity in the short to intermediate parts of the field.

Areas of Improvement

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- Undersized quarterback with poor measurements. Will not meet NFL requirements.

- Spotty decision-making. Will test windows that his arm is not equipped to try.

- Still struggles to read defenses post-snap. Holds onto the ball if the picture changes, which leads to negative plays.

- Running and utilizing mobility might not translate to the NFL. Frame/size concerns may limit how willing a playcaller is to let him use his legs against NFL defenses.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 5.9 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Brock Purdy, Iowa State (5.7 in 2022), Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (5.8 in 2023), Michael Pratt, Tulane (6.0 in 2024)

OVERALL RANK: 244

POSITION RANK: QB11

PRO COMPARISON: Dillon Gabriel

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 5'10"
Weight: 207
HAND: 9⅝"
ARM: 28 ⅝"

40-YARD DASH: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone: N/A
20-yard Shuttle: N/A
Bench Press: N/A