The name everyone knows isn’t always the answer. When the Baltimore Ravens added Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano to the quarterback room, most assumed the spotlight would belong to Pavia, and why wouldn’t they? He’s the rock star and the Heisman Trophy finalist. The guy who carried Vanderbilt Commodores to relevance and never met a microphone he didn’t like. His game mirrors his personality: fast, fearless, and always on.
There’s just one thing. That doesn’t automatically make him the better prospect. Sure, Pavia is electric. He extends plays, creates chaos, and brings a dual-threat element that feels familiar in Baltimore. If the Ravens are looking for another developmental athlete in the mold of Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley, the comparison writes itself, just at a lesser level. Unfortunately, however, that may also be the ceiling of the argument because when the conversation shifts from excitement to execution, Joe Fagnano’s name enters the chat. He’s boring. He doesn’t have the same stats, but is it wrong to say he’s a more complete passer?
Making the case for Joe Fagnano
Fagnano isn’t flashy. He’s efficient. In 2025, he completed 69% of his passes and threw for 3,448 yards with 28 touchdowns vs. only one interception. Yes, Pavia’s numbers are better (70.6% completion percentage, 29 TDs, and eight interceptions), but Fagnano had less talent around him. A 28-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio borders on absurdity.
He wasn’t lucky. He was disciplined and efficient. He processes quickly, protects the football, and plays the position the way coaches sometimes prefer. If the Ravens determine they want a different type of player in the QB room, as strange as it sounds to some, Fagnano may step ahead.
Maybe this conversation is occurring too early. Maybe this isn’t just about who’s “better.” It’s about what the Ravens want. Do they want another dynamic, improvisational playmaker who can stress defenses? Do they want volatility? Or do they want a steady, low-maintenance operator who keeps the offense on schedule and out of trouble?
The bottom line is that Diego Pavia is the more exciting option. He’s the one fans want to talk about. He’s the guy who can turn a preseason game into a personal highlight reel. There’s something else to consider here. Say Fagnano established himself as the QB3, could the Ravens stash Pavia on the practice squad? Would they lose Fagnano if he’s the guy who lands on the scout team? Gosh, we’re going to have a ball discussing these guys all spring and summer.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Is Joe Fagnano a better QB prospect for Ravens than Diego Pavia is?