NFL Legend Steve Smith Breaks Down Xavier Restrepo's Film Ahead of NFL Draft
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Miami Hurricanes mount rushmore receiver Xavier Restrepo has dropped his draft stocks after a rough pro day. And there is a chance one of the best receivers from this past season could go undrafted.
NFL legend Steve Smith Jr. was at Miami's pro day and saw Restrepo up close but was also shocked by the surprising 40-yard dash put on film.
"I like him," Smith said while breaking down film of Restrepo. "I've watched his film. I like the kid. I was at his pro day, and unfortunately, he did not run the fastest time. He was in some people have at 4.8. Some people had a 4.73 uh but 4.5 was not in the cards."
That still didn't stop Smith from breaking down his tape and loving what he has to offer at the pro level. Smith has been one of the best scouting eyes in the pro football world for years now. His eye for players like Los Angeles Rams' Puka Nacua and others has helped his eyes reach another level as a special eye for talent. He likes what Restrepo has to offer and believes he can still play at the pro level.
"His willingness to play multiple positions to what they say the more you can do that in itself can get him on a roster," Smith said. "Your lack of speed will shut some doors, but it also gives you an opportunity to go to some other teams that may look at you differently, and they see the value of's not a starter, he's a contributor and contributors must play special teams."
Smith knows it all comes down to who and where a team would want to give him a chance. He will make a roster and continue to work his way up as he did for the Hurricanes. Smith loves the film and knows that Restrepo is "a ball player" but will other teams listen? The draft is less than three weeks away.
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Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Communications with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism. During his time in Starkville, he spent a year as an intern working for Mississippi State On SI primarily covering basketball, football, baseball, and soccer while writing, recording, and creating multimedia stories during his tenor. Since graduating, he has assumed the role of lead staff writer for Miami Hurricanes On SI covering football, basketball, baseball, and all things Hurricanes related.