The Baltimore Ravens are nearing the end of the offseason, with training camp just a little over a week away. July 24 is when rookies, quarterbacks, and injured veterans report to training camp, and fans can finally start dreaming of seeing football again.
One of the major storylines entering camp is who will fill the third quarterback spot. The battle is between two undrafted rookies — Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano — and NFL journeyman Skylar Thompson.
While all three will compete, Pavia’s story is the most compelling.
Diego Pavia’s Senior Season Made Him a Heisman Finalist
Pavia had an amazing senior season at Vanderbilt, totaling 4,401 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. His performance earned him the runner-up spot in the Heisman voting and was a major reason the Commodores went 10–3 and finished No. 15 in the AP Poll.
With the type of season he had, many expected him to get drafted, but his official height (just 5-foot-10) and off-field controversies tanked his overall draft stock. Now, he faces an uphill battle if he wants to make his NFL dreams come true.
A Make‑or‑Break Summer in Owings Mills
With the team less than two weeks from training camp, it’s going to be hard for him to make the roster. The first two quarterback spots are locked between two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and experienced backup Tyler Huntley.
Pavia is looking to become the first signal-caller in the league under 5-foot-10 to play since Eddie LeBaron did it in 1963. Still, head coach Jesse Minter isn’t closing the door on him, saying, “His foot is in the door. Now show us what you can do.”
Minter isn’t the only one cheering on the competition. General manager Eric DeCosta made it clear there will be a true competition for the QB3 spot, and he wants to see who rises to the occasion and proves they belong.
Pavia’s Dual-Threat Ability Opens Multiple Doors
What Pavia lacks in size, he makes up for with heart.
In Baltimore, he brings a winning mentality to the table after reviving Vanderbilt football. But his dual-threat athleticism poses other opportunities. If Pavia can’t win the third-string job, Baltimore could explore signing him to the practice squad. His athleticism could even lend itself to a position change — though that remains purely speculative.
Pavia’s journey to make his NFL dreams come true won’t be easy. After all, the NFL isn’t called ‘Not For Long’ for nothing.
If Diego Pavia wants to stick, he will need to do whatever it takes.
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