Diego Pavia and More Sleepers in 2026 NFL Draft Highlighted by College Coaches in New ESPN Poll

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg recently "polled more than 30 college coaches to identify potential sleeper picks for the upcoming NFL draft," and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell, Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant, Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis and Texas safety Michael Taaffe were among the highlights.

Pavia in particular is of interest, given the uncertainties in the quarterback market after Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson come off the board, both potential first-round picks. The next group of quarterbacks projected to be selected includes Garrett Nussmeier, Drew Allar and Carson Beck, but there is some uncertainty beyond that trio.

"There is a total focus on winning for him," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea told Rittenberg regarding Pavia. "People like to create narratives around who he is and who he's not. All I know is that for two years, this guy helped elevate everyone's attitude internally. He measures 5'10" at the [NFL Scouting Combine] and there's almost this question around him playing quarterback. When you look at his analytic measures—his average depth of target, big-game throws, throws beyond the sticks—his numbers are right there along with [Fernando] Mendoza's. He became a better quarterback from '24 to '25. I believe that he's got a chance to not just land somewhere, but actually build a great career where he continues proving people wrong and winning."

Pavia's size may indeed give some teams pause, and not all evaluators have the highest opinion of him. The B/R NFL Scouting Department ranked him No. 11 among quarterbacks and No. 242 overall on its latest big board, for instance. He tends to divide opinion, but there are those who believe he has sleeper potential.