The Las Vegas Raiders are going to be in the quarterback market this offseason, even if they decide to retain Geno Smith. He hasn’t been good enough to warrant a long-term commitment, and he’s already 35.
The Raiders have a chance to get the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which would give them their choice of quarterback. However, some scouts believe that this is a weak quarterback class and there might not be one worth taking with the No. 1 pick.
If the Raiders agree with that notion, then they’re likely to trade down or take the best defensive player available at No. 1. That wouldn’t stop them from taking a quarterback at some point.
One of the top quarterbacks in college football is certainly hoping the Raiders hold off until later rounds to take a quarterback. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is currently a finalist to win the Heisman Trophy after a strong season with the Commodores. He was recently asked what team he wants to get drafted by, and he has his eyes on Las Vegas.
“What NFL team do I want to play for? Let me think. Well, I got a few options,” Pavia said. “One, anywhere that needs a QB, but this is where I would like to go: Las Vegas Raiders, so I can play with Maxx Crosby… He would control the defense. I would get the offense. And we would win.”
PFF Has Pavia as 16th-Ranked QB
Pavia is having an impressive season, throwing 27 touchdowns, while rushing for another nine. He brings some dual-threat ability, but he’s also shorter at 6-foot even. He also doesn’t have very exciting athletic traits.
Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the 16th quarterback in the 2026 class.
“Pavia is the kind of player fans rally around — he is an undersized underdog who plays with grit and belief, often leading overmatched teams to surprising success,” Trevor Sikkema wrote. “But at the pro level, he’ll face the same underdog status. His size is far below NFL norms, and while comparisons to Kyler Murray or Bryce Young may come up, he lacks Murray’s dynamic athleticism and Young’s passing polish. Still, Pavia offers RPO and option experience, a fearless running style and the kind of attitude that coaches and teammates respect. He projects as a Day 3 or UDFA type, but one likely to become a fan favorite wherever he lands.”
Pavia Doesn’t Make Much Sense for Raiders
Pavia is going to be 24 by the time he’s drafted, so it’s fair to question if he has that much upside. Also, he’s going to be a Day 3 pick, which means he’s most likely a career backup.
The Raiders could take a flyer on him, but that wouldn’t make much sense since they already have Aidan O’Connell and Cam Miller on the roster. Now, Pavia’s ability to make plays in the running game could interest a team like the Raiders. They have no mobility from their quarterback position right now.
Outside of that, it’s hard to see the Raiders using a draft pick on him.
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