The Tennessee Titans concluded their mandatory minicamp on June 18th, and fans are finally getting a better idea of how the roster may finish up come September. One position battle that has been flying under the radar is the last receiver spot on the 53-man roster. HC Robert Saleh has said that competition will be fierce for that position.
Assuming the Titans will roster six receivers, that leaves at least one final spot after Carnell Tate, Calvin Ridley, Wan'Dale Robinson, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike. Originally, it seemed the players under consideration for the last spot were KJ Osborn and Bryce Oliver, but sophomore UDFA Xavier Restrepo is looking to shake things up.
Over the last few weeks, Restrepo has been doing everything in his power to make this a tough decision for the coaching staff. The former Miami standout hauled in a 20-yard touchdown catch from Will Levis on the first day of minicamp, according to Jim Wyatt. Restrepo then topped that on Wednesday with a spectacular one-handed grab to set the offense up at the goal line.
Titans WR Xavier Restrepo makes 53-man roster push at mandatory minicamp
Much of the Restrepo hype last year was mainly due to his electric chemistry with Ward at Miami. That justification seems a little unfair now, since the receiver has been making countless plays this offseason with nearly every quarterback except Ward. In college, he possessed a natural feel in the slot, and was tough as nails at the catch point. He seems to finally be showcasing those skills for the Titans.
As impressive as Restrepo has been so far, there is a little-to-no chance he makes the roster if he cannot find a role on special teams. One of his key competitors at the position, Oliver, is one of the teams best special-teamers. Restrepo will need to find a way to separate himself from Oliver if he hopes to pass him up.
If Restrepo is able to carry this momentum into training camp along with some solid preseason outings, there is a realistic outcome where he secures the final receiver spot. He faces an uphill battle against veteran Osborn and special-teamer Oliver, but he's put himself in a great position thus far.
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