Undoubtedly, the most highly anticipated rookie for the Tennessee Titans is their No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, who is expected to take the reins as the team's quarterback of the future.
But once the three-day draft process was over, the Titans signed another player out of the University of Miami, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo -- and it's apparently partially because of Tennessee's interest in Ward that his Hurricanes teammate got some extra eyes.
"I mean, we watched a lot of tape on Cam, and you see all the plays that Xavier made over his career, particularly this past year," Titans head coach Brian Callahan said recently, per the team website. "All the players on that offense, we had a little bit more familiarity with just because of the nature of how much film you watch when you're evaluating a quarterback. And then you got a chance to be exposed to him at the pro day, and (Xavier) was there for the private as well."
Playing with Ward during the 2024 season in Miami, Restrepo accumulated 69 receptions for a conference-leading 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. He finished his career as the Hurricanes' all-time leader in receptions (200) and receiving yards (2,844). However, Restrepo's draft stock lowered due to a sub-par 40-yard dash time at his pro day, something Callahan acknowledged as a factor in their analysis of the wideout.
Nevertheless, Ward felt confident in Restrepo's talent and said he talked him up throughout the draft process.
"I was real excited when (the Titans) signed X," Ward said. "He's somebody who was deserving of it. He's worked hard every day. He is one of the most underrated players that was in the draft this year. I think every time he steps on the field, he remembers everything, and he is going to continue to prove it.
"He was one of the best route runners in college football last year, he is first team All-conference, he is All-American, he never lost in man coverage. He is a back-to-back 1,000-yard receiver, so why wouldn't you push for him?"
However, the work doesn't end with Restrepo's signing, as unlike Ward he will have a tough journey ahead to fight his way onto the final roster in the fall. Tennessee already has Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson as the likely starters, with 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks also returning in his search for a breakout year. The Titans also drafted two wide receivers in the fourth round, Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, adding to a WR room with a total of 13 members and about half that many spots available on the 53-man list.
Restrepo worked out as both a receiver and a punt returner at rookie minicamp last week, with special teams contributions a common way to add value when on the bubble.
But offseason workouts are only just getting started, with opportunities on the way for Restrepo to show why his college success can translate at the next level, especially with a familiar face throwing to him.
"Xavier's been a really productive college player. I mean, you look at all the names of receivers that have played at the University of Miami and he's at the top, which is impressive," Callahan said. "He might not necessarily be the biggest or the fastest player that's probably ever come out of Miami, but he's been incredibly productive and he has found ways to play football the right way. So he'll start out as a slot player for us and he'll have every chance to compete just like everybody else will.
"I'm excited to see what he can do."
