Ravens Sign Undrafted QBs Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano: Inside Baltimore’s Latest Diamond-in-the-Rough Strategy

The Baltimore Ravens have never been shy about looking under every rock for talent. While the NFL Draft is the headline event, the real art of roster construction often happens in the quiet hours after the final pick is made. This weekend, as the team opens its rookie minicamp, General Manager Eric DeCosta is rolling the dice on two undrafted signal-callers: Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano. These aren’t just camp arms; they represent a calculated bet on raw athleticism and late-blooming potential.

In a league where backup quarterback is the second-most important position on the roster, the Ravens are applying their famous “best player available” philosophy to the undrafted free agent market. Let’s break down what these two quarterbacks bring, why Baltimore is the perfect landing spot, and what this means for the depth chart behind MVP Lamar Jackson.

Who Are Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano? A Tale of Two Journeymen

To understand the Ravens’ interest, you have to look beyond the stat sheets and into the unique career arcs of these two players. Neither took a traditional path to the NFL.

Diego Pavia: The Gritty Dual-Threat Weapon

If you watched college football outside of the Power Five spotlight, you know Diego Pavia. The former New Mexico State and Vanderbilt quarterback is the definition of a “gamer.” Standing at 6-foot-0 and weighing 200 pounds, Pavia doesn’t look like a prototypical NFL passer. But watch his tape against Alabama in 2024, and you see a competitor who thrives in chaos. He’s a mobile, aggressive runner who uses his legs to extend plays and break defensive backs’ ankles in the open field.

Pavia’s college career was a masterclass in resilience. He led New Mexico State to a stunning bowl victory over Utah State, then transferred to Vanderbilt, where he engineered the Commodores’ historic upset of No. 1 Alabama. His ability to make something out of nothing is reminiscent of a younger, rawer version of a certain Ravens quarterback. He throws a tight spiral on the run but struggles with consistency from the pocket. For Baltimore, he’s a project with a high ceiling as a practice squad developmental piece.

Joe Fagnano: The Big-Arm Bomber

On the other end of the spectrum is Joe Fagnano, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound pocket passer from the University of Maine (with stops at UConn and Temple). Fagnano is the polar opposite of Pavia in style. He’s a traditional drop-back quarterback with a live arm and a quick release. His best asset is his deep ball accuracy; he can push the ball vertically and hit receivers in stride down the sideline.

Fagnano’s college journey was disrupted by injuries and program changes. After a promising start at Maine (where he threw for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in a shortened season), he transferred to UConn and then Temple, where he never fully locked down the starting job. However, his pro day numbers were electric. He showed NFL-caliber arm strength and improved footwork. The Ravens are betting that with NFL coaching, he can refine his decision-making and become a reliable backup who can step in and throw the ball downfield.

Why the Ravens Are the Perfect Fit for Undrafted Quarterbacks

Baltimore’s quarterback room is one of the most unique in the NFL. With Lamar Jackson as the starter and Josh Johnson as the veteran mentor, the team has a specific type of backup in mind. They don’t need a clone of Lamar; they need a player who can operate the offense’s core concepts while adding a different flavor.

• Scheme Versatility: Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken runs a system that blends West Coast principles with heavy run-pass options (RPOs). Pavia’s college offense at Vanderbilt was built on RPOs and designed quarterback runs. He will feel immediately comfortable in the playbook.
• Developmental Infrastructure: The Ravens have one of the best quarterback development staffs in the league. From quarterbacks coach Tee Martin to assistant head coach/passing game coordinator Chris Hewitt, Baltimore knows how to refine raw talent. They turned Tyler Huntley into a Pro Bowl alternate. They can do the same with Fagnano’s mechanical issues.
• Practice Squad Value: The new NFL rules allow for a third quarterback to be active on game day without counting against the 53-man roster. This means the Ravens can stash Pavia or Fagnano on the practice squad, develop them for a year, and potentially flip them for a draft pick down the line. This is the New England Patriots model that DeCosta has adopted.

Furthermore, the Ravens have a history of finding hidden gems at the position. Think back to Trace McSorley or even the aforementioned Huntley. Neither was a high draft pick, but both provided value. Pavia and Fagnano are the latest chapter in that story.

Expert Analysis: What to Watch for at Rookie Minicamp

This weekend’s minicamp is not about winning a starting job. It’s about proving you can handle the NFL learning curve. Here are the specific pressure points for each quarterback:

Diego Pavia’s Make-or-Break Skills

• Passing from the Pocket: NFL defenses will force Pavia to stay in the pocket and read coverages. He must show he can process information quickly and deliver accurate passes on time, not just on scramble drills.
• Ball Security: In college, Pavia fumbled 12 times over the last two seasons. The Ravens will drill him relentlessly on protecting the football when he tucks and runs.
• Leadership: Pavia is a vocal, fiery leader. That energy can be infectious in a locker room, but he needs to show he can channel it into huddle command.

Joe Fagnano’s Key Adjustments

• Processing Speed: Fagnano has a cannon, but he holds onto the ball too long. In the NFL, windows close in milliseconds. He must show he can get through his progressions and throw with anticipation.
• Footwork Under Pressure: His tape at Temple showed he gets happy feet when the pocket collapses. He needs to demonstrate improved pocket presence and the ability to step up and deliver.
• Accuracy on Intermediate Routes: While his deep ball is a weapon, NFL offenses require precision on 10-15 yard curls and digs. That’s where Fagnano will be evaluated most closely.

The Ravens will likely split reps evenly between the two undrafted rookies during the camp. Don’t expect either to unseat Josh Johnson as the primary backup this year. However, one of them could earn a practice squad spot and a chance to compete for the QB2 job in 2026.

Predictions: Where Do Pavia and Fagnano Land on the Depth Chart?

Let’s be realistic. The Ravens have a clear hierarchy: Lamar Jackson is the franchise. Josh Johnson is the trusted veteran. The battle is for the third spot and the future.

My prediction: Joe Fagnano has a higher floor for the 2025 season. His arm talent and size profile better as an emergency quarterback who can step in and throw the ball. He’s a more traditional fit for Monken’s drop-back concepts. I expect Fagnano to make the initial 53-man roster as the emergency QB3, with the understanding that he will be inactive on game days.

Diego Pavia is the higher-ceiling project but needs a year of NFL strength and conditioning. His game is too reliant on improvisation right now. He is a prime candidate for the practice squad. If he can refine his throwing mechanics and learn to protect his body, he could be a fascinating trade chip or even a long-term backup in 2026.

Don’t be surprised if one of these players gets a preseason showcase opportunity. The Ravens love to let their young quarterbacks play extended snaps in the fourth quarter of preseason games. If Pavia runs for a 40-yard touchdown or Fagnano throws a 50-yard bomb in August, the hype train will officially leave the station.

Conclusion: The Ravens’ Endless Appetite for Quarterback Competition

The signing of Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano is not a headline-grabbing move. It won’t move the betting lines for the AFC North. But it is a textbook Ravens move. It shows a franchise that is never satisfied, always looking for an edge, and willing to invest time and resources into players who others overlooked.

In a league obsessed with the “next man up” mentality, the Ravens are stockpiling options. Whether Pavia becomes the next Tyler Huntley or Fagnano develops into a reliable backup who can win a game in December, the value is undeniable. For fans, this is the fascinating part of the NFL calendar—watching unheralded players fight for a dream.

Keep an eye on Baltimore’s rookie minicamp this weekend. The two undrafted quarterbacks might just be the most interesting players on the field. The Ravens have a history of finding gold in the rough. Pavia and Fagnano are the latest prospectors looking to strike it rich.

Source: Based on news from ESPN.