The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick but may also consider adding Diego Pavia in the later rounds or as an undrafted free agent.
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.
The 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.
The Raiders may want to add a young quarterback to develop alongside their expected No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza.
Diego Pavia is a quarterback who played for the Vanderbilt Commodores, showcasing his skills in college football.
The Raiders have veteran Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell on the roster, but O’Connell's future with the team is uncertain.


The 49ers should focus on EDGE and WR, not tackles, in the draft.
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Still, how would you feel about him being added to the Raiders’ program?
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