As we approach the 2026 NFL Draft, the buzz around Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is palpable. Despite being a Heisman Trophy finalist, with an impressive season tallying 3,539 passing yards, 862 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns, there's skepticism about his draft prospects. The concern isn't about his on-field prowess but rather his off-field behavior.
In an intriguing twist, Pavia has sought guidance from former Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel. Known for his own rollercoaster NFL journey, Manziel is offering Pavia insights on navigating the professional landscape.
Pavia shared, “He’s given me some good advice, for sure. He checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he’s just a friend to me.”
It’s a mentorship that’s raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The choice of mentor has sparked debate. Some fans are questioning the wisdom of turning to Manziel, whose NFL career was short-lived, marred by challenges off the field.
However, there's an argument to be made that learning from Manziel's missteps could be invaluable for Pavia. After all, Manziel's collegiate brilliance didn’t translate to sustained NFL success, as he wrapped up his career with 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions over two seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
For Pavia, the objective is clear: leverage Manziel’s experiences to avoid similar pitfalls and carve out a successful NFL career. While some see it as a gamble, others view it as a strategic move to gain perspective from someone who’s been through the highs and lows of professional football. Whether this mentorship will pay off remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a storyline to watch as the draft approaches.