Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (QB14) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jets Linked to Controversial Heisman Finalist QB in 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on New York Jets on SI
By Zach Pressnell | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 6:00 PM ET

The New York Jets patched their hole at quarterback this offseason by trading for Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders. But this deal doesn't solve the long-term issue at quarterback for the Jets.

As a result, they could look to dive into the NFL draft to find the prospect they need under center. But this draft class doesn't have the best quarterback depth imaginable. Still, the Jets could add a prospect late in the draft to boost their quarterback room.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, The Athletic's Scott Dochterman recently called the Jets the best fit for Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia after his Heisman-level campaign last season.

Jets called best fit for Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia

Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

"Nobody said these selections have to involve first-rounders — or even fourth-rounders. Such is the case with, well, making the case for Pavia, who isn’t going to be for everyone (or even most teams). For the Jets? Sure, maybe Pavia is rambunctious and immature and stands 5 feet 10 inches tall with the shortest arms of any quarterback at this year’s combine," Dochterman wrote. "For every reason he doesn’t make sense, though, you can’t deny how he impacts his teammates and the players around him.

"He was the SEC’s player of the year and Heisman Trophy runner-up, while guiding Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season, passing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores. So, why should the Jets take a chance on Pavia? Well, it’s the Jets. Seemingly every quarterback the Jets draft early flops (as Zach Wilson did) or flounders until they wipe away the stench (as Sam Darnold did). Pavia is a low-risk, high-reward possibility — nobody should be naive about his antics or competitive nature."

Pavia was one of the best quarterbacks in college football last season, but he has size issues, arm talent issues, and potential issues with his attitude.

As a result, the Jets shouldn't take a flier on him. He's not good enough to be worth the headache if he's going to be an off-the-field issue, like he seemed to be after failing to win the Heisman trophy. To make it worse, he's not big enough to be a consistent NFL quarterback. Pavia is much shorter than the average NFL quarterback. It's not worth the flyer for the Jets. They could go after Garrett Nussmeier or Drew Allar instead.

This article first appeared on New York Jets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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