Xavier Restrepo’s NFL Draft Stock Plummets After Miami Hurricanes Pro Day
The Miami Hurricanes’ Pro Day was an opportunity for top draft hopefuls to impress NFL scouts and decision-makers. While some players, such as quarterback Cam Ward, solidified their cases as top picks, others struggled to leave the desired impression. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, once considered a mid-round selection with potential to rise, found his draft stock taking a significant hit following a disappointing performance.
A Disappointing Showing at Pro Day
Restrepo entered Pro Day looking to showcase his speed, route-running, and hands—three attributes that had made him one of the most productive receivers in the ACC. However, things did not go as planned, as his performance raised questions about his ability to translate his collegiate success to the professional level.
1. Lackluster 40-Yard Dash Time
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Restrepo has been his straight-line speed. Scouts were eager to see if he could post an impressive 40-yard dash time that would ease concerns about his ability to separate from NFL defensive backs. Unfortunately, Restrepo clocked an official time of 4.63 seconds, which was slower than expected for a receiver of his size and role.
“He needed to run in the 4.4s to solidify his stock, but he came in well short of that mark,” an anonymous NFL scout said. “For a slot receiver, speed and quickness are key, and today raised some red flags.”
2. Struggles in Agility Drills
Restrepo has built his reputation on being a reliable slot receiver who can get open with quick cuts and sharp route-running. However, his agility drills did not reflect that strength. His three-cone drill time was below average compared to other top slot receivers in recent draft classes, and his short shuttle time failed to impress as well.
“I was expecting more explosiveness from him,” another scout noted. “He’s a polished route-runner in games, but he looked stiff in some of the agility drills today. That’s something that teams will take a closer look at.”
3. Drops and Inconsistencies in Catching Drills
Another alarming aspect of Restrepo’s Pro Day was his performance in catching drills. While he has been known for his strong hands and ability to make contested catches, he struggled with drops on routine routes. A few passes that were slightly off-target bounced off his hands—something that raised eyebrows among scouts and team personnel watching from the sidelines.
“Drops in a workout setting are concerning because there’s no defensive pressure,” said a former NFL general manager. “If he’s dropping passes now, what happens when there’s a 6-foot-2 corner draped all over him in the NFL?”
What Led to His Poor Performance?
There are several potential explanations for Restrepo’s struggles at Pro Day. Leading up to the event, reports surfaced that he had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury, which could have impacted his ability to perform at peak speed. However, neither Restrepo nor his representatives used that as an excuse, instead emphasizing that he remains focused on proving himself to NFL teams.
Additionally, some analysts have suggested that Restrepo may have over-trained in the weeks leading up to Pro Day, potentially impacting his ability to perform at a high level when it mattered most.
“It’s a tough balance,” an NFL trainer explained. “You want to peak at the right time, but sometimes players overtrain and don’t have the necessary explosiveness when they need it most. That could be what happened here.”
How Far Could Restrepo Fall in the Draft?
Before Pro Day, Restrepo was projected as a potential mid-round pick, with some analysts even suggesting he could rise into the third round. However, after this performance, his stock has taken a noticeable hit. Some now believe he could slide into the later rounds, possibly even becoming an undrafted free agent if teams believe his athletic limitations are too great to overcome.
“He’s a tough, competitive player with good tape, but the testing numbers are going to hurt him,” one NFL executive said. “It’s hard to justify spending a mid-round pick on a guy who lacks high-end athletic traits, especially at a position where speed and separation are crucial.”
What’s Next for Restrepo?
Despite his underwhelming Pro Day, Restrepo still has opportunities to improve his stock before the draft. He is expected to participate in private workouts with several teams, where he will have a chance to demonstrate his hands, football IQ, and route-running ability in a controlled setting.
Restrepo’s best bet may be to focus on what made him successful in college: his work ethic, toughness, and reliability. While his Pro Day numbers may not have helped him, teams still value players who bring a high football IQ and strong competitive nature. If he can impress during team interviews and private workouts, he may be able to mitigate some of the damage from his Pro Day performance.
“He’s a guy who will fight for a roster spot no matter where he’s drafted,” said a Miami assistant coach. “Teams that pass on him might regret it when they see him making plays on Sundays.”
Comparisons to Past Prospects
Restrepo’s situation is not unique. There have been plenty of prospects in the past who underperformed at Pro Day but went on to carve out successful NFL careers. Players like Hunter Renfrow and Julian Edelman were doubted due to their athletic testing, yet they thrived due to their route-running, intelligence, and ability to make plays in big moments.
However, there have also been cases where poor testing numbers were an indication of legitimate limitations that prevented players from making a significant impact in the league. The question for Restrepo now is whether his tape outweighs his athletic concerns in the eyes of NFL teams.
Potential NFL Fits
If Restrepo does get drafted, it will likely be by a team that values toughness and precision over pure athleticism. Some potential fits include:
- New England Patriots: The Patriots have historically valued smart, technically sound slot receivers. If Restrepo can show he has the mental acuity to thrive in a complex offense, he could be a great fit in New England’s system.
- Green Bay Packers: The Packers have a need for reliable slot receivers who can win on short and intermediate routes. Restrepo’s skill set could mesh well with their offensive approach.
- San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan’s offense is built around getting receivers open with scheme rather than relying on elite speed. Restrepo’s ability to find soft spots in the defense could be a good fit here.
Xavier Restrepo’s Pro Day did not go as planned, and there’s no sugarcoating the fact that his stock has taken a hit. However, his journey to the NFL is far from over. With strong game tape and a reputation as a hard worker, he still has a chance to prove himself to teams in the coming weeks.
While his draft-day fate remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Restrepo will have to fight harder than ever to earn his place in the league. If he can overcome this setback and showcase the qualities that made him a standout in college, he may still carve out a successful NFL career, regardless of where he’s selected.
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