Undrafted Heisman Finalist Gets Ravens Tryout Shot

Diego Pavia's journey to the NFL just took an unexpected turn, but the former Vanderbilt star isn't giving up on his dream.

Despite being a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season, Pavia went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. He became the first Heisman finalist since 2014 to not hear his name called across all seven rounds, leaving scouts and fans puzzled about why such a decorated college player couldn't find a home.

The setback didn't stop there. After the draft ended, Pavia struggled to land even an undrafted free agent contract, watching other overlooked prospects sign deals while his phone stayed quiet.

But persistence pays off. The Baltimore Ravens extended an invitation for Pavia to attend their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, giving him exactly what he needed: an opportunity.

Why This Inspires

Pavia's response to rejection shows the mindset that made him successful at Vanderbilt in the first place. Rather than walking away from football, he's taking every chance available to showcase his skills.

The minicamp gives him a weekend to impress coaches enough to earn a spot on the team's 90-man offseason roster. From there, he'll have opportunities during training camp and preseason to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster or practice squad.

It's not the path Pavia envisioned when he became a Heisman finalist. Most players with that credential get drafted and immediately added to NFL rosters with guaranteed contracts.

But sometimes the unconventional route leads to the best stories. Pavia now has the chance to become the ultimate underdog success, the player every scout overlooked who went on to prove them all wrong.

For now, he's got his foot in the door with one of the NFL's most respected organizations, and what happens next is entirely up to him.