The 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up yesterday, and the Titans are almost unanimously receiving positive grades. Here are scores from some of the bigger outlets:
PFF: A
NBC Sports: A-
Mel Kiper: B+ (maybe we should disregard this one given the Shedeur fiasco…)
Chad Reuter (NFL.com): A
Rob Rang (Fox Sports): B
However, the Titans weren’t finished there. Per the NFL’s X account, Tennessee signed Miami WR Xavier Restrepo as an undrafted free agent. Cam Ward will have a familiar face joining him in Nashville.
Restrepo’s 2024 season was stellar: 69 receptions, 1,127 yards, 11 touchdowns, leading Miami to a No. 1-ranked offense. He set Miami records, earning All-ACC First Team and All-America honors. A polished slot receiver, Restrepo’s route-running, spatial awareness, and chemistry with Ward (17.6 yards per catch) made him Ward’s go-to target. His competitive style promised Day 2 potential.
Yet, Restrepo went undrafted due to a disappointing 4.83-second 40-yard dash at Miami’s Pro Day, hampered by a hamstring issue, per his X post. At 5-foot-10, 209 pounds, his size and subpar speed (4.87 in some reports) raised concerns about NFL separation and contested-catch ability, per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. It appears these measurables overshadowed his production, dropping his stock from a projected Round 3 pick to an undrafted free agent.
For Tennessee, signing Restrepo is strategic. Joining draftees Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, he faces a crowded depth chart behind Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. However, his familiarity with Ward could ease the rookie quarterback’s transition, mirroring successful college-to-pro pairings like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Restrepo’s slot skills and special teams potential offer a roster path, though he must prove his speed in camp.
We will all need to keep an eye on his minicamp performance, where his intangibles may shine. Making the roster will be an uphill battle, but I would imagine Cam Ward will be in the ear of Titans’ brass, vouching for his old teammates’ ability.
Where Did the Other Vols End Up?
Omari Thomas: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints. Despite being a defensive tackle during his time in Knoxville, Thomas did go through some offensive line drills during his pro day. He was not projected to be drafted.
Cooper Mays: Per On3’s Austin Price, Mays will attend Miami mini-camp. Cooper was a four-year starter Center at Tennessee, earning 2nd Team All-SEC honors in 2023, and 1st Team All-SEC/1st Team All-American honors in 2024. Given his below-average size & length, Mays was projected to go in the later rounds or be undrafted.
Elijah Simmons: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals. The 6-foot-1, 334-pound defensive tackle dealt with injuries during his time at Tennessee. He started just eight times in 55 games as a primarily rotational player, and last season he played the fewest snaps (187) in a six-player rotation on the defensive line. Simmons finished his career with 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks and three pass breakups.
Will Brooks: Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs. Brooks was a former walk-on who earned not only a scholarship, but a starting spot at safety in 2024. Coming off a redshirt senior year starting 13 games, he ranked second on the team with 59 tackles to go with nine passes defended and four interceptions. He finished his career appearing in 49 games, making 82 tackles and 4 interceptions.