The 2026 NFL Draft came and went without Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia being selected.
Still, such a result wasn't a major surprise. Pavia had been widely expected to be a late, Day 3 pick at best because of concerns about his 5-10, 207-pound frame and whether his gritty style of play would translate to NFL success.
Even so, Pavia's non-selection was notable. He became the first Heisman Trophy finalist not to be chosen in the NFL draft since Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch in 2014.
And even more surprisingly, Pavia wasn't scooped up quickly as an undrafted free agent. He remained available in the hours after the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft – linebacker Red Murdock – was announced despite numerous signal-callers inking post-draft deals.
Will Pavia ultimately get signed by an NFL team? The expectation is yes, but it hasn't happened yet. Here's the latest on his availability and where the 24-year-old could sign as he looks to begin his professional career.
