Lea backs undrafted Pavia after NFL Draft

Lea praised Pavia's accomplishments in a statement following the draft, noting he's been counted out throughout his career but has consistently proven doubters wrong. The former Commodores quarterback became the first Heisman Trophy runner-up to go undrafted since 2014. afsport.lat

NFL teams reportedly passed on Pavia due to concerns about his size (5-foot-10), arm strength, and playing in an RPO-based system. Despite not being drafted, Pavia was invited to rookie minicamp with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2025, Pavia passed for 3,539 yards with 29 touchdowns and added 862 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors as Vanderbilt went 10-3.