Xavier Restrepo’s Disappointing 40-Yard Dash Sparks Draft Concerns

Xavier Restrepo’s Disappointing 40-Yard Dash Sparks Draft Concerns

The NFL draft is always a time of anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty. For aspiring players, the Combine is one of the most crucial events in their journey to the league. During the NFL Scouting Combine, prospects are put to the test in various drills that showcase their athleticism, speed, agility, and overall skill set. Among these tests, the 40-yard dash stands out as one of the most talked-about events, often seen as a key indicator of a player’s potential at the next level.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, one name that had been generating significant buzz was Xavier Restrepo, a wide receiver out of the University of Miami. Restrepo had been an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts, known for his polished route running, strong hands, and ability to create separation. However, his disappointing performance in the 40-yard dash has now raised doubts about his draft stock and left many questioning his potential at the professional level.

Xavier Restrepo’s Background

Before delving into the specifics of his 40-yard dash performance, it’s important to understand who Xavier Restrepo is as a player. Coming out of high school, Restrepo was a highly-rated prospect who had a successful career at Miami, earning a reputation as one of the most reliable pass catchers on the team. Over his career, Restrepo accumulated significant yardage and touchdowns, displaying impressive technical skills in a variety of offensive schemes.

While he may not have been a star with eye-popping numbers or a standout player in terms of physical traits like some of the other top wide receivers in his class, Restrepo’s ability to consistently make plays and serve as a reliable target made him an appealing prospect. His football IQ and leadership abilities were often highlighted as major positives by coaches and teammates.

At 5’10” and 190 pounds, Restrepo had an ideal build for a slot receiver, and his skill set suggested that he could make an immediate impact as a third or fourth wideout for an NFL team. Scouts were particularly intrigued by his quickness, sharp route running, and ability to read defenses. However, despite his success at Miami, Restrepo had one glaring weakness that would become evident at the Combine – his lack of elite speed.

The 40-Yard Dash: The Moment of Truth

For most wide receivers, the 40-yard dash is considered one of the most important tests at the NFL Combine. It provides scouts and coaches with a glimpse into how fast a player is in a straight-line race. Although it’s not the only determining factor for a wide receiver’s potential, speed is crucial in a position that relies on separation and creating explosive plays. In an era where the NFL is increasingly driven by fast-paced offenses, a player’s top-end speed has become more important than ever before.

Xavier Restrepo entered the 2025 Combine with questions surrounding his speed. While he wasn’t known for running past defenders with ease, his agility and quickness had been praised, and many believed he could still hold his own in the 40-yard dash. The stage was set for him to prove that his lack of top-end speed wouldn’t hinder his draft prospects.

Unfortunately, Restrepo’s 40-yard dash performance turned out to be a major disappointment. He ran a time of 4.74 seconds, a far cry from the sub-4.4 second runs that are expected from elite wide receiver prospects. To put this into context, a 4.74-second 40-yard dash is considered slow for a wide receiver, especially for a player who hopes to make an impact at the next level.

For comparison, top wide receiver prospects like Jordan Addison, Quentin Johnston, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all clocked 40 times in the 4.4-second range. Even mid-tier prospects in the same draft class posted significantly better times, which further amplified the concerns surrounding Restrepo’s performance.

The Impact of the 40-Yard Dash on Draft Stock

A disappointing 40-yard dash time like Restrepo’s can have a significant impact on a player’s draft stock, especially for wide receivers. In today’s NFL, speed is an invaluable asset for receivers, as it allows them to stretch the field and create separation from defenders. For a player like Restrepo, whose primary role is to operate in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, speed has always been seen as a potential limiting factor. His 40-yard dash time only served to highlight this concern, leaving many scouts wondering whether he would be able to adjust to the speed of the professional game.

At the same time, the 40-yard dash is only one component of the evaluation process. Scouts will still look at Restrepo’s film, his production, and other measurements like his vertical jump, 3-cone drill time, and shuttle run results. However, in a draft class filled with wide receivers boasting elite physical tools, a poor 40-yard dash time could be the difference between being selected in the first or second round versus falling to the later rounds.

For Restrepo, the 4.74-second time might have raised red flags, but it isn’t necessarily a death knell for his draft prospects. The key will be how he responds to the criticism and whether he can prove that his other attributes – such as his quickness, agility, and football intelligence – make up for his lack of blazing speed.

The Importance of Agility Over Straight-Line Speed

One of the critical points that Restrepo’s supporters have made following his disappointing 40-yard dash is the fact that he excels in other areas that could be just as valuable, if not more so, than top-end speed. His quickness in and out of breaks, ability to make defenders miss in the open field, and impressive route-running skills have all been highly regarded by coaches and analysts alike. In fact, many believe that his ability to run precise routes and create separation with his sharp cuts could make him an ideal fit for a slot receiver role in the NFL.

Restrepo’s agility is also a key part of his game. While he may not be a speedster in the traditional sense, his quickness and acceleration off the line of scrimmage allow him to create space from defenders in short, quick bursts. He has demonstrated the ability to thrive in short-to-medium yardage situations, where his precise route running and ability to get open quickly make him a valuable target.

Moreover, Restrepo’s football IQ and ability to read defenses are not often reflected in a 40-yard dash time. His experience as a reliable chain-mover for the Miami Hurricanes shows that he understands the nuances of the game. His ability to run precise routes, find soft spots in the zone, and get open against tight coverage may give him a distinct advantage in a system that values quick decision-making and separation rather than pure speed.

It’s important to remember that there are plenty of successful NFL receivers who were not known for their blazing speed but instead relied on other qualities to be effective. Players like Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Cooper Kupp have all demonstrated that a lack of elite speed is not a death sentence for wide receiver prospects. Restrepo could follow in the footsteps of these players, carving out a productive career based on his skills as a technician rather than his raw athleticism.

The Bigger Picture: Restrepo’s Combine Performance Beyond the 40-Yard Dash

While the 40-yard dash was a major talking point following Restrepo’s performance at the Combine, there were other aspects of his evaluation that were noteworthy. Restrepo’s shuttle drill and 3-cone drill times were both solid, suggesting that he has the quickness and agility to make an impact in short-area situations. His vertical jump also highlighted his explosiveness, which can be useful when jumping for contested catches in traffic or battling for positioning in the air.

Furthermore, his interviews and character assessment at the Combine played a role in shaping his overall draft evaluation. Restrepo has always been regarded as a high-character individual with a strong work ethic and leadership skills. His willingness to do the little things – such as blocking and running precise routes – could be factors that make him attractive to NFL teams looking for a dependable, team-first player.

Scouts will also take into account his collegiate production. While Restrepo may not have posted mind-blowing statistics, his reliability and consistency on the field were crucial for Miami’s offense. He developed a strong rapport with his quarterbacks and was often the go-to guy in critical situations, which speaks to his ability to perform when the pressure is on.