Of all the ProCanes currently sitting on practice squads, none feels more primed for an opportunity – or is talked about more – than Xavier Restrepo. Restrepo has endured a waiting game throughout the season,
similar to the one he had to do during draft weekend in April. And honestly, given how sluggish the Tennessee Titans offense has looked, the fact that they already fired their head coach Brian Callahan, how putrid the wide receiver depth chart looks, and – probably most importantly – how much they want to ensure fellow ProCane Cam Ward remains happy, it is getting more difficult to justify keeping Restrepo on ice.
As we sit here today, the Titans are 1-7 tied for dead last in the NFL. Their wide receiving corps currently consists of an injured Calvin Ridley, rookie fourth rounders Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, Van Jefferson, James Proche, and Mason Kinsey. For reference, Jefferson had a breakout season in 2021 with 802 yards receiving, but has since been underwhelming averaging just over 200 yards per season as an NFL journeyman, while Oliver and Kinsey had a combined eight receptions for 112 yards in 2024. Dike and Ayomanor have flashed as rookies, but both were considered lesser prospects than Restrepo up until Restrepo’s 40-yard dash. Even more, Kinsey and Proche were both elevated instead of Restrepo last week.
Restrepo’s path to the NFL has been turbulent to this point. Restrepo became the most decorated Cane of all time by breaking all the records – receiving yards and receptions – during his tenure at Miami. Despite being undersized at 5’10”, he squarely put himself into the early round conversation among draft analysts until he ran his 40-yard dash in March. That metric may have singlehandedly set him back going into draft weekend as he unofficially ran a 4.83. Restrepo waited throughout the draft weekend until he signed with the Titans as a priority undrafted free agent, in some part due to the connection with Ward. Restrepo overall impressed during training camp practices but ended up only compiling three receptions for 26 yards during preseason game action.
While the Titans front office/coaches undoubtedly have more intel on Restrepo’s prowess, Tennessee and Canes fans alike are rightfully clamoring for his appearance on Sundays. Restrepo and Ward formed one of the most efficient QB-WR duos while at the U where Restrepo was a constant safety blanket for Ward. Restrepo’s physical limitations are obvious, but there are plenty of pros and cons for the move.
Pros of Elevating Restrepo
- Built-in Chemistry with Ward: Tennessee has gone on the record to state the only players off limits are the Ward and Jeffery Simmons. Ward looks exasperated on the sidelines with interim coach Mike McCoy and would love to have his right hand man around.
- Reliable Hands and Short-Area Separation to serve as a Safety Blanket: Again, similar to helping out Ward, a safety blanket to help open up the game and give the offense confidence would be huge.
- Work Ethic and Leadership: All Canes fans know about this… it would be a welcome addition to any roster.
- Low-Risk, High-Reward Move: The wide receiving corps struggling and 1-7 record so far provide enough reason for this to happen.
Cons/Challenges with Elevating Restrepo
- Undersized and Limited Speed: Kinsey, Proche, and Restrepo all are undersized slot guys. The main difference being that Kinsey and Proche have NFL experience and were likely viewed as safer options.
- NFL Physicality/Transition Curve: Restrepo looked good for the Canes in the ACC but there is concern whether he can handle it at the next level. His impeccable route running give him more of a chance with the traditional slot-limited wideout.
- Limited Special Teams Value: X has some return experience but phased out of the role his final season. He worked throughout training camp to increase his special teams presence and Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel has expressed intrigue in Restrepo’s talent there.
Realistically, if/when Restrepo gets his chance, he is unlikely to have a significant impact and rather would carve out a minor role. Nonetheless, his precise route running and innate timing with Ward were basically telepathic. That chemistry hasn’t disappeared, it’s just waiting to be re-ignited.
And with the Titans struggling – currently ranked dead last in overall offense (31st in pass offense) – what do they have to lose at this point?
