One of the country’s most reliable and productive wideouts, Xavier Restrepo embodies the qualities that often go unnoticed on the outside. Traits that live under the rug until they make the difference in critical situations, while his game lacks the flash of a pure burner or the physicality of a contested-catch specialist, Restrepo’s skill set showcases that of a high-level prospect on the outside whose game should translate exceptionally well to the NFL—where consistency and reliability often go undervalued.
Over his college career, Restrepo developed a reputation as a move-the-sticks player who was relied upon in the shallow to intermediate areas of an offense. His ability to secure catches in traffic made him a quarterback’s best friend, yet there were always parts of his game that looked untapped. With the arrival of Cam Ward this fall, Restrepo’s prospect profile has entered a new stratosphere.
Along with his proven ability over the years to win on third downs and in high-leverage situations, Restrepo’s game vertically has taken a massive step in his final season as a Hurricane. He’s evolved into a three-level threat, ultimately painting a clearer picture for NFL clubs in search of playmakers at the position beyond day one of the draft.
Though not the fastest or biggest player on the field, Restrepo’s route-running sets him apart. His ability to tempo, sell breaks, and create separation from a deep understanding of the nuances of the position is impressive on tape. His routes are precise and fluid, designed to get him open even against quicker or more physically imposing defenders. It’s a level of detail in his game that should allow him to step into an NFL offense and contribute immediately.
Inside that nuance could be the most defining element of Restrepo’s profile, his football IQ and overall feel for the position. He understands soft spots in coverage, can quickly identify leverage, and also decreases space with the ball in the air, often working back to the football to limit throws ending up in the dirt, or in the opposition’s control.
In an era where explosiveness and highlight plays often overshadow steady production, Miami’s all-time leader in receptions in Restrepo serves as a reminder of the importance of executing the little things. His hands, route-running, and feel for the game aren’t just good—they’re sensational—and they ensure that his future in the NFL will be marked by reliability, effectiveness, longevity, and one of the highest performance floors of any prospect in the 2025 class.
