It's hard to call an undrafted free agent a steal, but occasionally, a player falls out of the draft that shocks the masses. Sometimes, that player becomes a quality starter, with the term "steal" becoming an appropriate title. and The Tennessee Titans might just have one of those players in UDFA WR Xavier Restrepo.
Restrepo might be the most-hyped UDFA in Titans history, and that's saying something.
The former Miami Hurricanes slot receiver set school records in college as one of the most prolific pass-catchers in team history. Together, Restrepo and Titans No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward teamed up to tear defenses apart at Miami, but Ward wasn't the only reason that Restrepo was successful.
Unlike what Ward did for Elijah Arroyo and the tight end position at Miami, Restrepo was an established player before the quarterback transferred to Miami. In 2023, Restrepo actually had more receptions (85) than he did in 2024 (69), to go along with 1,092 receiving yards.
Restrepo is undersized, and he isn't the most athletic wideout, but his concentration, attention to detail, and reliable hands made him Ward's favorite target as they set career highs together last season.
Heading into training camp, Restrepo is going to have to battle for a roster spot before he battles for a starting job. However, there is a path for him to earn a lot of playing time quickly, given his built-in chemistry with Ward.
Xavier Restrepo could be one of Cam Ward's go-to targets
The Titans signed Tyler Lockett right before the 2025 NFL Draft, and everyone assumed he would be the team's slot receiver this season. While it is true that Lockett played predominantly in the slot early in his career, he has proven to be versatile enough to move around the offensive formation. Since 2021, he has played significantly more snaps outside than inside.
Since the Titans lack a proven "X" receiver, there is a real chance that the coaching staff will look at their options and decide that their second-most reliable boundary receiver is Lockett. If that happens, then Restrepo should be in a prime position to earn starting-caliber snaps in the slot.
If that happens, Restrepo has a chance to do something remarkable. Over the last decade, Keelan Cole is the only UDFA receiver to surpass 600 receiving yards as a rookie. If Restrepo sees the field and his chemistry with Ward carries over to the NFL, then that suddenly becomes a realistic milestone for the Titans.
You don't want to get too ahead of yourself before training camp. Restrepo needs to focus on making the roster first and foremost. However, an All-American receiver and his All-American quarterback are making the leap together into the NFL, joining a franchise with a desperate need and opportunity at the position. The conditions are perfect for everyone involved. Now it is time to see how the chips fall.