Ravens QB Depth Chart: Can Diego Pavia rise to become Lamar Jackson's backup? Undrafted QB faces tough path originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Diego Pavia needed only one team to like him enough as a quarterback to give him a shot at sticking on an NFL roster after going undrafted. Now, the Heisman Trophy finalist from Vanderbilt needs to do a lot more to make the Baltimore Ravens’ final roster in 2026.
Pavia has cleared the first hurdle. Instead of needing to try out for the Ravens during their upcoming rookie minicamp, he signed a three-year contract with the team on Tuesday, three days after the draft.
Although Pavia is the polarizing headlining passer, the team also gave a three-year deal to another QB invited to the Combine, former Rutgers starter Joe Fagnano. The Ravens now have much more depth behind two-time MVP Lamar Jackson
What are Pavia’s chances of making the team’s final roster? Here’s a breakdown of his initial obstacles in Baltimore.MORE:Details on Diego Pavia's UDFA deal with the Ravens
Lamar Jackson remains the unquestioned starter. But after disappointment from former Cowboys No. 2 Cooper Rush, the Ravens have brought back Tyler "Snoop" Huntley to be Jackson's top understudy, a role he had from 2020-'23.
For now, Pavia and Fangnano should be considered co-developmental No. 3s.
The Ravens’ new offense under Declan Doyle should again be rooted in the running game, much like Todd Monken’s scheme. Baltimore also wants to open up the downfield passing game a bit more for Lamar Jackson and reloaded in the draft with big-bodied wide receivers and athletic tight ends.
Doyle came from the Bears, where he worked with Caleb Williams. There should be more pocket-passing concepts while still making good use of athletic quarterbacks. Pavia’s arm strength is questionable, so he must be highly accurate and maximize his running ability to impress. He also has to use the chip on his shoulder, matching his mental toughness with the physical toughness he shows despite his undersized 5-foot-10, 207-pound frame.
MORE: How Diego Pavia became the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014
Fagnano isn't a better athlete than Pavia and won't offer much of a running element behind Jackson and Huntley. But he has prototypical size for the pocket at 6-3, 226 pounds with better intangibles, experience and decision-making. He also needs to show improved arm strength and accuracy to be carried by the Ravens.
Fagnano has natural skills that can be developed but he hasn't had the same high-profile moments. Pavia outplayed his talent in the SEC for sure and despite some concerns about him off the field, he is feisty and needs to bring all of his competitive nature into the battle with Fagnano.MORE: Who has the best NFL draft grade according to SN?
Pavia has a fair chance of sticking for Baltimore, but Fagnano is on even ground earlier and Huntley is locked into being Jackson's familiar backup, even in a new offense.
There's an uphill battle, but Pavia can make the final cut or stay on the practice squad over Fagnano but Pavia needs to play with the bigger chip on shoulder to win the competition for further time in the NFL.