TL;DR
- Titans fans anticipate Xavier Restrepo's potential active roster promotion due to receiver injuries.
- Restrepo, an undrafted free agent, has practiced squad experience with the Titans.
- He possesses strong chemistry with quarterback Cam Ward from their college days.
- Restrepo's speed limitations are a concern, but his route-running and playmaking ability are noted.
Titans supporters might soon witness a long-anticipated event. Due to injuries among their wide receivers, the Titans require additional players, and many are advocating for Xavier Restrepo. This skilled slot wide receiver entered the 2025 NFL Draft unselected from The University of Miami, yet he secured a chance with the Tennessee Titans to earn a spot on the roster as an undrafted free agent. Restrepo, who previously played alongside 2025 first overall selection quarterback Cam Ward at the collegiate level, was someone Ward specifically requested the Titans consider signing as a free agent, a request the Titans honored. Regrettably, this opportunity didn't result in a place on the active roster following training camp, but it did lead to a practice squad position, where Restrepo has remained throughout the season.
This presents a potential chance for Restrepo to excel. Given Calvin Ridley's season-ending broken fibula, Elic Ayomanor's hamstring trouble, and Chim Dike's chest contusion, Mason Kinsey and Van Jefferson were the primary wide receivers. While both have collaborated with Cam throughout the offseason and this season, they lack the chemistry Xavier Restrepo possesses. Ward and Restrepo developed excellent chemistry in college, and seamless connections often lead to positive outcomes. With Restrepo on the field, he might discover open spaces in zones or utilize his route-running skills to get open, positioning himself precisely where Cam anticipates. This could prove beneficial for an offense that has faced challenges in synchronizing.
Restrepo's chemistry with Ward is evident, but his lack of speed is a significant issue. In college, Restrepo's ability to make big plays after the catch was highly praised, and he demonstrated a knack for turning short receptions into substantial gains. However, his 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day was 4.83. For context, the typical 40-yard dash time for an NFL wide receiver falls between 4.48 and 4.51 seconds. A difference of three to four-tenths of a second, while seemingly minor, represents a considerable disadvantage in the NFL. The capacity to create separation is crucial when running routes against defensive backs who are generally more athletic and faster than those Restrepo encountered in college. While speed isn't the sole determinant of success, it certainly aids in route running.
The Titans' decision on adding Restrepo to the active roster is a major point of anticipation. Once that question is settled, further inquiries will arise until Restrepo demonstrates his capabilities on the field, even with his speed limitations. After all, history shows that some swift wide receivers have also struggled to succeed in the NFL and create separation.