The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching as teams prepare to add players whom they believe will help build a successful future with their organization. The Minnesota Vikings currently own four total picks in this year's draft, including the No. 24 overall selection, one third-round pick, and two picks in the fifth round.
In his latest 2025 NFL mock draft, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller has the Vikings using their first fifth-round pick on former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. The Vikings received this pick from the Cleveland Browns in the deal that sent Za'Darius Smith to the Browns back in 2023.
The former Hurricane is ranked as the No. 17 receiver and No. 127 overall by ESPN in the 2025 draft class. Although a poor performance at Miami's Pro Day may stir up some concerns for his NFL future, he has shown a ton of pro potential over the course of his five seasons with the Hurricanes.
He led the ACC with 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns last season on his way to earning All-American honors. He possesses an impressive route-running ability and an incredibly high football IQ. He would be a welcome addition to Minnesota's receiving room and an intelligent young player who can play in the slot and build chemistry with Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Xavier Restrepo's underwhelming Pro Day could cause Minnesota Vikings to stay away
Restrepo has been making headlines recently for his 40-yard dash performance at the University of Miami's Pro Day, which was held on March 24. He clocked a 4.83-second time in the 40-yard dash at the event, an abysmal time for an NFL-caliber receiver.
He later addressed his lackluster time on his personal X account.
"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 two straight weeks I consistently hit 4.53-4.58 last in training and thought I could still pull it off."
This post has since been deleted from his personal account, as his focus seems to have shifted to the draft and putting this disappointing performance behind him.
While 40-yard dash times are not accurate indicators of future NFL success, it remains a statistic that can certainly cause a player's draft stock to fall.