Wide Receivers can run a horrible forty time and still win one-on-one matchups

Yesterday, Xavier Restrepo the Miami Hurricanes wide receiver was dogged on the internet because of his forty time. It was not pretty, and many are reporting it was a 4.83 forty, but lets be very clear it does not matter how fast you are if you can get open.

RG3 said it best, he knows how to get open, sit in a space and make a play!

Xavier Restrepo’s 40 time DOESN’T MATTER. Restrepo played 90.5% of his snaps as slot merchant last year. Watch his tape and you will see he knows when he is open in man or zone and how to separate to win on ones. A QBs best friend for moving the chains.pic.twitter.com/im4E3vWBue

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 25, 2025

A wide receiver can still win one-on-one matchups even with a slow 40-yard dash time. While speed can certainly be an advantage, it’s not the only factor that determines success on the field. A receiver’s ability to win matchups often comes down to a combination of things:

Route Running: A receiver with crisp, precise routes can create separation without needing top-end speed. The quicker and more polished a receiver’s route-running is, the more effective they can be, even against faster defenders. Cooper Kupp ran a 4.62 and is one of the best route runners in the NFL.

Quickness and Agility: A fast 5-yard burst or the ability to change direction quickly can be more important than top-end speed. A receiver who can make defenders miss or create separation with sharp cuts is still a threat. He ran a 4.21 short shuttle, which is pretty damn good.

Football IQ: Knowing how to read defenses and finding soft spots in zone coverage can help a receiver get open. A player with high football IQ can outsmart defenders, even if they’re not the fastest on the field.

Physicality and Strength: A receiver who uses their body well, with good hands and strong blocking, can win contested catches and outmuscle defenders, even in short-yardage situations. Restrepo has shown this all year, he can get a defender off him.

Ball Skills: A receiver’s ability to track, catch, and make plays after the catch is critical. A player with great hands and an ability to make defenders miss after the catch can still be incredibly valuable.

So, while a fast 40 time is helpful, it’s far from the only factor in being a successful wide receiver. There are plenty of slower, more methodical receivers who dominate in the NFL by leveraging other skills. I think Restrepo will be a guy that does well in the NFL.