Xavier Restrepo may not be the most talked-about name in NFL circles, but don’t be surprised if his is the one that keeps surfacing during Tennessee Titans training camp. A gritty, undersized wide receiver out of the University of Miami, Restrepo is the type of player who consistently slips through the cracks on draft boards yet finds ways to stick around and make his presence felt. Now, with the Titans searching for offensive playmakers and depth at wide receiver, Restrepo stands at the doorstep of an NFL dream — and the question on everyone’s mind is: can he defy the odds and make the final roster?
Restrepo’s path to this point has been anything but easy. In college, he was never the tallest, fastest, or flashiest receiver on the field. Standing at just 5’10” and weighing in at around 195 pounds, he didn’t fit the prototypical mold scouts drool over. But what he lacked in size or combine measurables, he more than made up for in heart, consistency, and football IQ. At Miami, he quickly became a favorite of his quarterbacks because of his reliability and route precision. He wasn’t just running routes — he was creating separation through sharp footwork, deceptive body language, and sheer effort. He became the security blanket on third downs, a go-to target when the game tightened, and a leader in the locker room.
That tenacity is exactly what might give him a real shot in Tennessee. The Titans are a team in transition, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With a young quarterback room led by Will Levis and a relatively unproven wide receiver corps outside of DeAndre Hopkins, the door is wide open for someone like Restrepo to sneak through and stake a claim. It’s not just about talent at this level; it’s about timing, fit, and opportunity. Right now, all three seem to be aligning in Restrepo’s favor.
In OTA sessions and early camp workouts, Restrepo has reportedly flashed the traits that made him a standout at Miami — sticky hands, crisp route-running, and an uncanny knack for finding soft spots in coverage. While other receivers may wow with athleticism, Restrepo wins with polish and patience. He understands leverage. He knows how to sell double moves. He has that rare ability to make contested catches despite his frame, and more importantly, he rarely drops the football. For coaches, that dependability is invaluable, especially in a depth receiver who could also contribute on special teams.
Speaking of special teams, that might just be the golden ticket for Restrepo. Roster spots at the back end are rarely decided solely by offensive or defensive prowess — they hinge on special teams contributions. Restrepo has experience returning punts and kicks and has shown a willingness to be coached up in coverage roles. For a Titans team looking to solidify their return game and improve field position battles, his versatility could tip the scales in his favor. Players who can fill multiple roles are always more valuable when rosters shrink from 90 to 53.
But make no mistake: competition is fierce. The Titans have loaded up their receiver room with a mix of veterans, journeymen, and other undrafted free agents all vying for the same limited spots. Players like Kyle Philips, Treylon Burks, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are all in the mix, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Philips, for instance, thrives in the slot — the very role Restrepo is best suited for. If Philips stays healthy and consistent, that could limit the snaps available for someone like Restrepo. However, health is never guaranteed in the NFL, and the Titans have learned the hard way how quickly depth can be tested.
Another critical factor in Restrepo’s favor is his rapport with quarterbacks. Throughout college, he showed an innate ability to build chemistry quickly — a quality that’s already been noticed by Titans camp observers. Quarterbacks trust him to be in the right place at the right time, which could be a crucial differentiator during preseason games. When fringe players get their limited opportunities in those games, quarterbacks tend to look for the guys they know will be where they’re supposed to be. If Restrepo can turn even a few of those targets into first downs or scores, he’ll put himself firmly in the conversation.
Then there’s the character element — a factor that often goes underappreciated in the evaluation process. Restrepo has been praised consistently for his work ethic, leadership, and team-first attitude. He was known as one of the emotional leaders at Miami, often rallying teammates and holding himself accountable. Titans head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon are clearly looking to build a culture based on effort and discipline. Restrepo’s demeanor fits seamlessly into that blueprint. In a league where ego and entitlement can sometimes derail a locker room, having humble, hungry players like Restrepo can stabilize and elevate a team.
However, this is the NFL — and the NFL is ruthless. For every feel-good camp story, there are dozens of hopefuls who fall just short. Sometimes, it’s due to numbers crunches. Sometimes, it’s a matter of scheme fit or injury. Restrepo will have to prove not just that he belongs, but that he belongs more than someone else. That may mean outperforming a draft pick, showing up on film during special teams drills, or making one highlight-worthy play in a preseason game that captures the coaching staff’s attention. His margin for error is razor-thin, but his mentality suggests he wouldn’t want it any other way.
His performance in preseason games will likely be the final determining factor. These are the moments where the bubble guys separate themselves from the pack. A touchdown catch here, a clutch third-down conversion there, or a punt return that flips field position — these are the snapshots that coaches replay when finalizing cuts. For someone like Restrepo, every rep is an audition, every snap a chance to showcase not only his skill but his readiness for the moment.
Even if Restrepo doesn’t make the 53-man roster immediately, the practice squad remains a very real possibility. The NFL now allows for 16-man practice squads, and teams often stash players who show potential but need more development. Restrepo, with his polish and intangibles, could be an ideal candidate. And once you’re on the practice squad, injuries and opportunity can get you elevated to the active roster faster than most expect. In many ways, that’s the modern path for undrafted players — prove your value in the margins, stay ready, and wait for the door to open.
What makes Restrepo’s journey compelling is that he embodies everything fans love in an underdog. He’s not supposed to be here. He wasn’t a top recruit or a combine darling. But he grinded, he led, he produced, and now he’s within arm’s reach of his dream. He’s the player that reminds you football isn’t always about freakish athleticism or viral highlights — sometimes it’s about precision, toughness, and the will to outwork the man across from you. If Restrepo continues on this trajectory, don’t be surprised if he not only makes the Titans’ final roster but eventually becomes a reliable contributor on Sundays.
Ultimately, the NFL is a league of opportunity. And for Xavier Restrepo, the Tennessee Titans may be the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. The odds may not be in his favor statistically, but football isn’t always a numbers game. Sometimes, it’s about heart. Sometimes, it’s about timing. And sometimes, it’s about believing that the guy no one saw coming is exactly who your team needs. Restrepo has done everything right to put himself in this position. Now, all that’s left is to seize the moment.
