At 5’10” and 202 pounds, Xavier Restrepo may not fit the traditional mold of an NFL wide receiver. But what he lacks in size and speed, he more than makes up for with precision, determination, and an unwavering bond with his college quarterback, Cam Ward.
1. Face & Facial Condition: A Remarkable Story
Xavier’s life brought him into the world with an unforeseen challenge. Shortly after birth, a vascular malformation—a rare condition—began to develop. According to his mother, Ashley, the doctors used forceps during delivery, which “pinched up a cluster of his veins and his face.” As a result, a noticeable malformation appeared in his lips and cheek, and this area tends to swell with physical exertion.
When Restrepo pushes himself during workouts or practices, the increased blood flow makes the veins in his face visibly swell. Though largely cosmetic, this condition has raised many questions from curious fans and media alike. Yet, medical experts—referencing sources like the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins—confirm that such vascular malformations, while rare, often pose no significant health dangers.
Despite its distinct appearance, the condition has had zero impact on his play. In fact, Restrepo continues to perform at elite levels, starring as his college quarterback’s most trusted target and pursuing his NFL dream with relentless effort.TalkSport
2. Pro Day & 40-Yard Dash: A Timing Setback
Heading into the NFL Draft, Restrepo’s greatest setback wasn’t his film or instincts—it was his 40-yard dash time. At Miami’s Pro Day, he clocked in the low 4.8-second range—reported around 4.83 seconds—solidly below the expectations for a receiver hoping to land earlier in the draft.
Speed is a highly valued metric, and scouts often rely on it as a litmus test. Analysts speculated that any hope of being drafted could vanish without a sub-4.6 performance.
Following the disappointing timed performance, Restrepo took to social media to offer context: his hamstring tightened during warmups, undermining his burst on the run. He lamented that, in training, he had consistently clocked between 4.53–4.58—but still chose to run to show his competitive spirit.
Despite the setback, film studies still revealed his strengths: sharp route-running, quick-twitch releases, and a consistent ability to create separation despite limited top-end speed. These traits earned him comparisons to nimble slot receivers like Julian Edelman.
3. Draft Day & Signing: Undrafted, But Not Unwanted
On draft day 2025, the card didn’t fall his way. Restrepo went undrafted, largely due to questions around his relative athleticism—and particularly his Pro Day 40 time.
But the story didn’t end there. Cam Ward—the No. 1 overall pick in that same draft and Restrepo’s on-field partner at Miami—strongly advocated for him. The Tennessee Titans took notice, and Restrepo signed a three-year, $2.9 million undrafted free agent contract.
4. Contract Breakdown: What’s on the Table?
According to financial analytics from OverTheCap, Xavier’s rookie UDFA contract includes:
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Total value: ~$2,985,000
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Average annual salary: ~$995,000
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Guaranteed money: ~$254,000
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Cap charges: ~$846,666 in 2025, increasing slightly each year
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Big payouts in 2027—$1.12M in cash, $1.126M in cap hit
While modest compared to high draft picks, this deal represents a meaningful opportunity for a player with his profile.
5. Continuing the Legacy: NFL Ambition & On-field Chemistry
In Tennessee, Restrepo’s opportunity is more than just monetary—it’s built on a trusted connection. He reunited with Cam Ward, and the two resumed their early-morning film sessions: “5 o’clock in the morning, every single morning, we’re watching film,” Restrepo shared.
He emphasized that this was a “no-brainer” decision for a young receiver looking for his shot.
His work ethic is clear: he studies, improves, and tries to impress daily. “I come in this building each and every day and work my hardest… You could be here one day, and not the next day,” he said.
Film analysts have also taken note. One media outlet called him “a steal” among 2025 UDFAs and praised his nuanced route-running and ability to separate, even without electric speed.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report referred to him as the most exciting undrafted free agent, calling attention to his steady production and strong hands (200 catches, 2,844 yards in college).
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Facial condition | Vascular malformation; causes swelling under physical exertion; cosmetic only |
| 40-Time | Pro Day: ~4.83 secs (low 4.8s); impacted draft stock; injury explanation given |
| Draft Outcome | Undrafted in 2025; heavily influenced by slow 40 time |
| Contract | UDFA deal: ~$2.985M over 3 yrs; ~$254K guaranteed; cap hits rising each year |
| NFL Role | Reunited with QB Cam Ward (No.1 pick); strong rapport; early favorite to make roster |
| Strengths | Elite route-running; strong hands; football IQ; separation ability; chemistry with Ward |
In conclusion, Xavier Restrepo is more than an undrafted receiver with a unique facial condition. He’s a disciplined, film-savvy athlete whose bond with a franchise quarterback gives him a clear path to proving his NFL worth. While his Pro Day numbers may have lowered his draft stock, his route-running precision, resilience, and character shine through—and that might just be his ultimate edge.
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