As we look to the 2025 NFL Draft, teams are often watching tape on one prospect, when another prospect comes into view. Today’s report discusses that exact fact, as we look at the University of Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, a favorite target of top QB prospect, Cam Ward.
Residing in Coconut Creek, FL, Xavier was rated a 3 star prospect by 247 after his extensive high school career. He played multiple roles for his high school career, racking up 48 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, over 200 tackles, over 500 passing yards, over 3,000 receiving yards, and over 2,000 rushing yards in his career.
During his 2021 season, Xavier tallied 373 yards on 24 catches, including 2 touchdowns. His 2022 season saw a slight dip in production, down to 21 catches for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns.
However, his 2023 season was his best one yet: 86 catches for 1,092 yards and 6 touchdowns. This also set the single season mark for receptions in Miami history, previously set in 2021. He also received an All-ACC First team honor for this season as well.
The stats show an increase in production each year, so is his best yet to come? Let’s dig into the tape, and find out if the film matches up:
Player Info
Name: Xavier Restrepo
Jersey: No. 7
Position: Wide Receiver
School: University of Miami
Class: Senior
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 198 lbs.
Xavier Restrepo’s Strengths
Xavier has reliable hands and ball tracking skills that allow him to make the downfield catches with very little effort. He also possesses straight line acceleration and coupled with his creative running ability, has the ability to take short completions into long gains with ease.
Xavier also shows an excellent football IQ, especially when detecting the holes in zone coverage to help his quarterback exploit zone defenses. He also could be an excellent option for special teams, between his acceleration and football IQ, he would make an excellent return man or gunner on special teams.
Xavier Restrepo’s Weaknesses
Xavier’s size likely limits him to a slot role at the next level, as his frame likely will prevent him from maintaining a full time role outside. Because of this size, he also struggles to create separation against press coverage, as man corners stunt his routes easier than a larger receiver.
He also has a tendency to let passes get to his body, rather than catch with his hands, which can lead to unnecessary drops at the next level. He also is not a dominant run blocker, as he struggles to sustain blocks effectively because of is size.
Draft Projection
Xavier is a very good slot receiver at the college level, with a proven track record of increasing production year over year, and currently sits as my WR5 on my big board. His route running, and ability to make plays after the catch will allow him to succeed in short to intermediate passing offenses in the NFL.
However, his size and frame likely limits him from being an outside receiver full time at the next level. I have an early second round grade on him because of these size limitations; however there are still a few teams who should show some interest in Xavier Restrepo:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Even with George Pickens and Roman Wilson at wide receiver, the Steel City could still be looking for a talented slot receiver to round out this group of pass catchers.)
- Los Angeles Rams (With Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell in the final year of their respective deals, the Rams could look to add a slot talent for Kupp and Nacua on the outside. This would be my top fit for Xavier currently.)
- Cleveland Browns (This pick would be to replace Elijah Moore, who is a free agent after this season. Xavier does a lot of the same things that Elijah can do for this Cleveland offense, so it would be an even swap for the rookie, and also save some cap for the Browns.)
Any team who selects Xavier does so with the knowledge that he can always be a threat to take a short pass deep down the field, but his size and frame will limit him to a slot role at the NFL level. Smart offensive coordinators will look past this frame limits; so it remains to be seen how well he succeeds at the next level.
My comparison for Xavier Restrepo: Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks/Detroit Lions/New York Giants
