Senior Bowl Takeaways: Diego Pavia’s Tough Day in Mobile Raises Real Questions for NFL Future
The Senior Bowl is one of the most valuable stages in the pre-draft process-especially for prospects who didn’t play under the brightest lights during the college season. It’s where risers emerge, hidden gems shine, and yes, where some red flags start to wave a little more clearly. For Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, this week in Mobile may have done more to confirm existing concerns than quiet them.
Let’s be clear: Pavia came into this process with some baggage. Not off-the-field issues, but real questions about how his game translates to the next level.
His size was already under the microscope before the official measurements came in. The viral Heisman photo only amplified those worries.
And the reaction to not winning the award? That didn’t exactly help his case either.
But the biggest questions were always going to be about the tape-and the Senior Bowl gave us a fresh reel to work with.
Practice Promise, Game-Day Reality
To Pavia’s credit, he had a solid week of practice. Coaches and players reportedly took notice.
He looked sharp in drills, showed command in the huddle, and gave evaluators some reasons to be intrigued. But as is often the case, the game itself told a different story.
From the jump, Pavia’s live reps raised more eyebrows than expectations. His first six dropbacks were a mixed bag-mostly leaning toward the concerning side.
A 10-yard completion on an 18-yard dropback isn’t ideal. A muffed handoff exchange and a sack after tripping over his own lineman?
That’s the kind of stuff that gets replayed in draft rooms for all the wrong reasons.
There were a few short completions and a screen that picked up some yards, but the pattern was clear: Pavia’s timing, pocket presence, and decision-making looked out of sync. On one rep, he tried to climb the pocket but walked right into a defender he never saw. That’s not just a missed read-it’s a red flag for field awareness.
The Tape Doesn’t Lie
As the game wore on, the issues persisted. There were back-to-back short throws to first reads that didn’t challenge the defense.
Another sack came when he failed to recognize pressure. On a key down, he scrambled out of a clean pocket-his lineman had the rusher locked up-and threw an off-target ball that should’ve moved the chains.
One of the more awkward moments came on a play-action fake that looked more like a miscommunication than a disguised handoff. The throw was late, but the running back bailed him out with a strong effort after the catch.
Even on a scramble that could’ve been a highlight, Pavia was quickly swallowed up by two defenders. It was another moment that underscored the size concerns.
This wasn’t just a bad game. It was a game that amplified the exact traits scouts were already worried about-ball placement, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to operate within structure.
What It Means for His Draft Outlook
Let’s be honest-Pavia was never walking into this draft cycle as a can’t-miss prospect. He’s got the fire, the leadership qualities, and the competitive edge that coaches love.
But the NFL is a different beast. It’s not just about moxie.
It’s about execution. It’s about consistency.
And it’s about projecting how a player fits into a pro system.
Right now, Pavia looks more like a playmaker when things break down than a quarterback who can consistently run an NFL offense. That’s a tough sell for teams who are investing millions and tying their futures to the quarterback position.
He’ll need to show he can do the easy stuff-hit the layups, make the right reads, stay on schedule. Can he operate from under center?
Can he work through progressions instead of bailing early? Those are the questions that will define his path from here on out.
And then there’s the off-field piece. While confidence is a must at the quarterback position, there’s a fine line between swagger and self-sabotage. NFL teams want leaders who command the room-not ones who make headlines for the wrong reasons.
A Lesson from Recent History
There’s a cautionary tale here, and it’s not Tim Tebow or Johnny Manziel. It’s Shedeur Sanders.
While Sanders had plenty of talent and buzz, the optics around his pre-draft process-flashy jewelry, bold proclamations, and a perceived lack of humility-didn’t sit well with everyone. Pavia doesn’t need to follow that script.
The NFL doesn’t reward theatrics. It rewards preparation, professionalism, and performance.
If Pavia wants to change the narrative, it starts with showing he can play within structure and make the routine plays look routine. Then he can layer in the creativity and off-platform magic that made him a star at Vanderbilt.
The Path Forward
There’s still time. The Combine, pro days, and team interviews will offer Pavia more chances to prove he belongs.
But the margin for error is thin. He’s going to have to answer the size question-on the field and in the meeting rooms.
He’s going to have to prove he’s scheme-versatile and not just a college playmaker trying to freelance his way through NFL defenses.
Pavia’s got the heart. Now he needs to show he’s got the head and the arm to match.
Because in today’s NFL, being a gamer isn’t enough. You’ve got to be a technician, too.