Did Diego Pavia get drafted? What happened for Vanderbilt QB in 1st round of 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Diego Pavia is one of the most well-known players in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

That doesn't mean the Vanderbilt QB is one of the best, though.

His draft stock will be a fascinating one to follow as the draft rolls on -- first round Thursday, second and third rounds Friday and fourth through seventh rounds Saturday.

Pavia is a polarizing prospect after being such a culture changer at Vandy.

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The reality, though, is that Pavia was never expected to be a first-round pick.

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Pavia doesn't have the physical traits to be viewed as a first-round QB.

He's a bit too short, and he also doesn't have immense arm talent.

Pavia won games at Vandy with confidence, running ability and a clutch gene. He's certainly a good quarterback, but it's hard to see his full game translating to be an NFL starter.

Two quarterbacks went in the first round Thursday: Indiana's Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 to the Raiders, and Alabama's Ty Simpson at No. 13 to the Rams.

Pavia might still have to wait a while, but he'll likely get picked at some point in the middle to late rounds.

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