The Tennessee Titans have stirred excitement among fans and analysts alike with their top draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward. As the No. 1 overall selection, Ward is poised to step into the spotlight as the franchise’s signal-caller of the future. However, there’s another intriguing addition to the mix: wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who also hails from the University of Miami. His signing appears to be influenced by Ward’s presence, indicating the Titans are keen to capitalize on their shared experience.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan highlighted how closely the coaching staff evaluated Ward’s game tape, which naturally led to a deeper look at his Hurricanes teammate Restrepo. “We watched a lot of tape on Cam, and you see all the plays that Xavier made over his career, particularly this past year,” Callahan explained. The synergy between quarterbacks and wide receivers can’t be overstated, and having that familiarity boosts Restrepo’s visibility during the evaluation process. The opportunity to showcase his skills at pro days and private workouts only solidified Callahan’s interest.
During their time together in Miami, Restrepo made waves on the field. He wrapped up his collegiate career with a jaw-dropping 69 receptions for a staggering 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns in the 2024 season, earning All-American honors along the way. His accolades don’t stop there; Restrepo concludes his stint at Miami as the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, boasting 200 catches for 2,844 yards. Despite this impressive resume, Restrepo saw his draft stock take a hit due to a less-than-stellar 40-yard dash at his pro day—a fact Callahan acknowledged when discussing the evaluation process.
Nonetheless, Ward is firm in his belief that Restrepo possesses the talent necessary to excel at the next level. “I was real excited when the Titans signed X,” Ward commented. “He’s somebody who was deserving of it. He’s worked hard every day. He is one of the most underrated players that was in the draft this year. I think every time he steps on the field, he remembers everything, and he is going to continue to prove it.” Ward praised Restrepo’s route-running ability, highlighting his accolades as a first-team All-Conference selection and All-American, as well as his impressive back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Yet, Restrepo’s journey to solidify his place on the roster will be no walk in the park. The Titans have established starters in Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson, along with the promising 2022 first-rounder Treylon Burks, who is eager to make a leap in his development. Additionally, the team added two more wide receivers in the fourth round of the draft, Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, contributing to a crowded receiving corps that features 13 players vying for a limited number of openings.
At rookie minicamp, Restrepo showcased his versatility, working as both a receiver and a punt returner. Special teams play has become a crucial avenue for players looking to secure their roster spot, especially when competition is steep.
As offseason workouts unfold, Restrepo has plenty of opportunities ahead to demonstrate that his college success can transition to the professional stage—especially with a quarterback like Ward, who knows his capabilities well. Callahan emphasized Restrepo’s productivity with a nod to Miami’s storied legacy of receivers: “You look at all the names of receivers that have played at the University of Miami, and he’s at the top, which is impressive,” he stated. While Restrepo may not boast the size or speed of some of his peers, his consistent performance and football intelligence make him a player to watch. Starting out in the slot, he’ll have every chance to compete against the established veterans and prove his worth in Tennessee’s evolving offense.
