Diego Pavia's measurables are officially in from the Senior Bowl, and they’ve sparked plenty of conversation - especially among scouts and front offices trying to project his NFL future. The former Vanderbilt quarterback checked in at 5 feet, 9 and 7/8 inches tall and 198 pounds. That height, just a hair under 5-10, puts him firmly in the category of undersized quarterbacks by today’s pro standards.
Now, let’s be clear: being under six feet tall doesn’t automatically disqualify a player from succeeding in the NFL. But it does raise the degree of difficulty - especially at quarterback, where vision, throwing angles, and pocket presence are all impacted by size.
When you’re standing behind offensive linemen who regularly measure 6-foot-5 or taller, seeing passing lanes becomes a challenge. And it’s not just about seeing over the line - it’s about delivering clean throws without the ball getting tipped at the line of scrimmage, something that’s become increasingly common as defensive linemen get more athletic and better coached.
For context, Bryce Young - the Panthers' No. 1 overall pick not long ago - measured 5-foot-10 and 1/8 at the NFL Combine. Kyler Murray?
Also 5-10. Russell Wilson has long been listed at 5-11, and Drew Brees, who made a Hall of Fame-worthy career out of defying size expectations, came in at an even 6 feet.
Go back far enough and you’ll find Eddie LeBaron and Davey O’Brien, both listed at 5-7, but those were different eras entirely.
What sets Pavia apart - and what might give him a shot despite the height concerns - is the edge he plays with. He’s got that intangible blend of confidence and grit, the kind of moxie that’s helped other undersized quarterbacks carve out roles in the league.
He’ll need every bit of it. Because while his college tape shows a playmaker who can extend plays and make things happen off-script, the transition to the NFL is a different animal.
The windows are tighter, the defenders faster, and the margin for error razor-thin.
Still, the Senior Bowl is a proving ground for a reason. It’s where players like Pavia can show that measurables aren’t the whole story.
If he can demonstrate command of an offense, process quickly, and make throws on time - especially from the pocket - he’ll give himself a shot. And in today’s NFL, where creativity and mobility are more valued than ever, there’s always room for a gamer who knows how to win.
Size may be the headline, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story.