With his history as a fearless, outspoken star quarterback whose supreme confidence has propelled him into the spotlight in Nashville, Pavia’s addition will undoubtedly draw attention, especially in the quiet summer months leading up to preseason play. His sole existence on Baltimore’s roster will feed content-heavy news cycles throughout the offseason much like Shedeur Sanders’ early months in Cleveland.
But legitimate football questions remain. At 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, Pavia doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional quarterback. His lack of height may require diagram changes to allow him to succeed, and his arm strength doesn’t raise the eyebrows of evaluators.
Pavia’s arrival doesn’t exactly break Baltimore’s talent pool, though. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta once took a chance on a similarly styled quarterback, Penn State’s Trace McSorley, and spent the sixth round on the former Nittany Lions star in 2019, putting him behind Jackson and Robert Griffin III.
At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, McSorley’s Day 3 pick could be justified. Pavia’s value, meanwhile, exists in his moxie and his character as a player who won plenty of contests at Vanderbilt.
Fortunately, after returning to veteran Tyler Huntley for second and third seasons when it needed an experienced quarterback the past two seasons, Baltimore wisely signed Huntley this offseason to serve as Jackson’s trusted backup. It’s likely they won’t need Pavia at all — if he makes the roster.
However, expect to hear plenty about Pavia in the coming weeks and months. We’ll see if he can make the most of his opportunity in Baltimore.