NASHVILLE – While some things have changed for Xavier Restrepo since the NFL Draft, others have remained the same.
In Tennessee, he's still catching passes from Cam Ward, and he's still waking up early to watch film with his college quarterback.
"5 o'clock in the morning, every single morning, we're watching film," Restrepo said after Wednesday's OTA. "So, it's like we never left."
The Titans signed Restrepo as an undrafted free agent after selecting Ward with the first pick of the draft. Ward and Restrepo were teammates at the University of Miami, and Restrepo said Ward put in a good word for him with the decision makers in Tennessee after he wasn't picked.
When Restrepo had to decide where to sign as an undrafted free agent, he chose Tennessee.
"It was a no brainer for me, really," Restrepo said. "Just like my entire life, I live my life based on opportunities and I thought this was my best one."
A 5-foot-10, 202-pound receiver, Restrepo played in 53 games with 28 starts over five seasons (2020-24) at Miami. He finished his career as Miami's all-time leader in receptions (200), receiving yards (2,844) and touchdowns (21).
During his final two seasons, Restrepo earned All-ACC first-team honors while setting program records. In 2023, he set the single season record for receptions with 85. In 2024, he became the first Hurricane wideout to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (1,092– 2023; 1,127 – 2024). Restrepo earned consensus NCAA All-American first-team recognition in 2024.
Restrepo didn't get picked in the NFL Draft, presumably because of a Pro Day 40-time that was slower than expected.
Now he's with the Titans, trying to stick.
"I think I just have to keep being consistent," he said. "I come in this building each and every day and work my hardest, and I have great mentors around me. Guys like Calvin Ridley, Mason Kinsey, Van Jefferson, and all the other receivers do a really good job of taking me in."
Restrepo said Ward regularly led early film-watching sessions at Miami.
In Tennessee, fellow rookie receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor have joined in, along with rookie tight end Gunnar Helm.
It's all part of proving it, and winning a job, Restrepo said.
"I'm never comfortable," he said. "There's really, really good guys on the team, so in order to stay around you have to impress, and you have to come in this building and work hard every day. You could be here one day, and not the next day. I am super glad to have an opportunity to be here in Nashville, and I'm ready to work hard."
