The Tennessee Titans made Miami’s Cam Ward the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That weekend, they also added Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo as an undrafted free agent.
Restrepo fell out of the draft after running an abysmal 40-yard dash time, but with his college quarterback, he has a chance to prove himself. Ward recently spoke about Restrepo and what he can bring to Tennessee.
Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo Reunite With Titans
Ward had a stellar 2024 campaign at Miami. In his one year as a Hurricane, he threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He was named an All-American and was the consensus QB1 in this year’s class.
Restrepo greatly benefited from Ward transferring to Miami. The receiver posted 69 catches, 1,127 yards, and 11 touchdowns en route to his own All-American honors. Miami started 9-0, but faltered down the stretch and missed the College Football Playoff.
Ward’s path to the draft was clear. He overtook Shedeur Sanders as QB1, then jumped Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter for the No. 1 overall pick.
Restrepo’s path, however, was much harder. The receiver was expected to be drafted after two strong seasons to end his college career, but Restrepo’s draft stock plummeted after running a 4.86 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
He signed a three-year undrafted contract with Tennessee worth just under $3 million. Landing with the Titans could end up being a blessing.
Recently, Titans senior writer Jim Wyatt wrote about Restrepo’s path to the NFL and talked with Ward about his former Miami teammate.
Ward said, “I was real excited when (the Titans) signed X. 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.
“He was one of the best route runners in college football last year. He is first team All-conference, he is All-American, he never lost in man coverage. He is a back-to-back 1,000-yard receiver, so why wouldn’t you push for him?”
In 2023, Restrepo totaled 85 catches, 1,092 yards, and six touchdowns. Ward took his game to new heights in 2024, but the receiver had already proven that he was a productive player.
He got his first chance to show what he can do at the team’s rookie minicamp. Tennessee drafted two receivers in the fourth round, but Restrepo’s familiarity with Ward should give him an edge.
Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett run the Titans’ receiver room, but the rest of the veterans aren’t particularly strong.
In his article, Wyatt mentioned that Tennessee’s front office noticed how often Restrepo showed up watching Ward’s film. He’ll have to consistently show up during training camp and the Titans’ preseason schedule to make the initial 53-man roster, but Restrepo is in a great spot as an undrafted free agent.
