Ravens coach lays challenge to Diego Pavia after team signed him as undrafted free agent
Ravens' Minter challenges undrafted QB Pavia to earn spot
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter challenged newly signed undrafted free agent quarterback Diego Pavia to prove himself for a roster position. Minter told reporters on Saturday that Pavia must show what he can do, just like all undrafted rookies. The coach acknowledged Pavia's past learning experiences while praising his work ethic at Vanderbilt.
Pavia, who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, went undrafted despite leading Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season at 10-3. He earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors after passing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns. The former Commodores quarterback becomes the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since Northern Illinois' Jordan Lynch in 2013.
Pavia's draft slide followed a social media outburst criticizing Heisman voters after his runner-up finish; he later apologized. He joins a Ravens quarterback group led by starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley, with former UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano also on the roster. Pavia likely competes for the third spot on the depth chart.
Minter noted that people at Vanderbilt describe Pavia as a hard worker who arrives early each day. Undrafted rookies must secure a final roster place before training camp concludes in the summer.
