TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Diego Pavia #2 of the Vanderbilt Commodores drops to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images We know the Las Vegas Raiders will be adding a quarterback in the draft when they are fully expected to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick.But the franchise may not be done with the position in the draft after taking Mendoza. The might be interested in adding another quarterback in the late rounds or in undrafted free agency to groom.Right know, the Raiders have veteran Kirk Cousins, likely for one season, and Aidan O’Connell on the roster.
It is no sure thing O’Connell will be kept, so new coach Klint Kubiak may want to bring in a young No. 3 quarterback to develop.So, there is a chance the Raiders will bring in a rookie at the position in addition to Mendoza and they have been studying lae-round quarterbacks. That bring us to the high-profile late-round quarterback prospect — Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt.In talking to teams, I'm not sure he gets drafted, but based upon his execution and tape, Pavia should be no worse than 4th QB off the board if size were not an issue. https://t.co/KFeaZSrLU1— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 7, 2026The play-making Pavia is small, which has NFL teams concerned.
He also has a big personality and family entourage that has turned some people off. Still, he can play the position and he’s a sparkplug.Do you think it would be a good fit for the Raiders to add Pavia to the program?I like his tape, but I’m not sure he’s a great fit for the system and his presence in a city like Las Vegas may create more headlines than a No. 3 quarterback should be making.Also, he did make some controversial comments after losing the Heisman Trophy to Mendoza, so that could be awkward. So, there would be some things to consider.Still, how would you feel about him being added to the Raiders’ program?Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!