It's déjà vu in Nashville. Just one year after signing as an undrafted free agent and turning heads at rookie minicamp, Xavier Restrepo finds himself back where it all began—fighting for his spot on the Tennessee Titans roster.
The former Miami Hurricanes star and favorite target of Cam Ward arrived with plenty of buzz in 2025. But a disappointing rookie season, hampered by injury, derailed his momentum. After a brief flash of promise, Restrepo spent most of the year on the practice squad, watching from the sidelines as the season slipped away.
Now, the second-year wideout is back on the field at rookie minicamp, and early reports suggest he hasn't lost his touch. During Friday's 7-on-7 drills, Restrepo made several nice catches, showing the quickness and hands that made him a college standout. But in the NFL, highlights in practice are only part of the equation.
The Titans wide receiver room has undergone a serious makeover this offseason. Calvin Ridley's contract was restructured, Bryce Oliver was re-signed, and Wan'Dale Robinson was brought in via free agency. Most notably, Tennessee used the fourth overall pick in the draft to select Carnell Tate, signaling a long-term investment in the position. Add in two undrafted rookies—Tyren Montgomery and Hank Beatty—and the competition for a roster spot has never been stiffer.
Restrepo's story is one of perseverance, but the road ahead is steep. For a player who was once the talk of camp, being back at rookie minicamp in year two is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. Still, if Friday is any indication, he's not ready to fade away quietly.
