OWINGS MILLS, MD — Diego Pavia has officially taken his first steps as an NFL quarterback, and the buzz around the Ravens' rookie minicamp is unmistakable. The former Vanderbilt star and 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist hit the field on May 2 for the second day of Baltimore's rookie minicamp, giving fans and reporters their first look at the polarizing signal-caller in action.

Dressed in shorts and a black No. 17 jersey, the 5-foot-10, 203-pound Pavia worked out under cloudy skies alongside fellow rookies. Fresh off signing a three-year deal as an undrafted free agent, he spent the open portion of practice getting acclimated to the playbook and building chemistry with his new teammates. While Pavia didn't speak with reporters, his presence was a hot topic of conversation.

"Diego, just like a lot of the undrafted free agents, is trying to make his mark," said Ravens rookie coach Jesse Minter. "I know the program he came from, I know a lot of people that worked with him. He's a really, really hard worker. I think he really helped elevate that program in the SEC, playing against really good competition. So now, he's in the door. It's like, 'Show us what you can do, let the chips fall where they may.'"

Wearing a helmet but no pads, Pavia split reps with fellow undrafted free agent Joe Fagnano (UConn) and tryout quarterback Billy Atkins (James Madison). The trio cycled through run, pass, and play-action plays, with Pavia focusing on timing and footwork rather than airing it out deep — though he did uncork passes during individual drills. It's early, but the foundation is being laid.

Of course, Pavia is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his brash and sometimes polarizing personality — which surfaced on social media after he didn't capture the Heisman in December — he's already proving he can back up the talk with work. For a player who helped elevate Vanderbilt's program in the SEC, this rookie minicamp is just the beginning of what could be a compelling NFL journey.

For now, Pavia has his foot in the door. The next step? Showing he belongs.