Record-setting Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo was named the best route runner by Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus in their "2025 NFL Draft Superlatives: Wide receivers" published on Tuesday. Restrepo finished his career as the Miami all-time leader with 200 receptions and 2,844 yards and fourth with 21 touchdowns.
Ahead of the NFL Draft next month, Restrepo is a player whose production exceeds some of the raw numbers he has tested at during the NFL Combine and Miami Pro Day on Monday. Restrepo led Miami in receptions and receiving yards in each of the past two seasons and in touchdowns in 2024.
Restrepo is 54th on the Pro Football Focus 2025 NFL Draft big board. The projection for Restrepo from Pro Football Focus states, "Restrepo brings a strong slot receiver skill set to the NFL, where his production, separation scores and great hands give him a high floor with WR2/WR3 potential despite some high-end athleticism and size limitations."
A lot has been made about Restrepo's 40-yard dash times run during Miami Pro Day. Restrepo issued a statement late on Tuesday afternoon that he had a hamstring injury during Pro Day that he suffered hindered his 40-yard dash time. Restrepo stated he "consistently hit 4.53-4.58 laser in training."
Don’t usually do this but I feel like it’s necessary due to the circumstances. During warm ups yesterday before the 40, my right hamstring tightened up on me and prohibited me to opening up and running my fastest. The reason I still ran is because for 2 straight weeks I…
— Xavier Restrepo (@XavierRestrepo1) March 25, 2025
"Best Route Runner: Xavier RestrepoDalton Wasserman, Pro Football Focus
Given a similar build and skill set to Julian Edelman, Restrepo isn’t blessed with elite size or speed, but he always finds his way open. His savvy, route stems, and ability to stay in a defender’s blind spot stand out as his greatest assets. Over the past three seasons, Restrepo owns a perfect 99.9 receiving grade against single coverage. He ranked 13th in the FBS with an 87.6 receiving grade versus man coverage in 2024 as well."
Restrepo was a clutch receiver who had 102 receptions for first downs, 65 catches of 15 or more yards and 25 of 25 or more yards over the last two seasons. College Football analysts Robert Griffin III and Pat McAfee both praised Restrepo for his ability on the field and are not concerned about his 40-time.
The comp by Wasserman of Edelman for Restrepo shows the potential he has in the NFL. The more recent success of Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua as slot receivers with the Los Angeles Rams is good for Restrepo in the modern NFL. Being drafted by the right NFL team in a system that will bring out Restepo's talent is critical.