Former NFL QB turns 2025 NFL draft sleeper into the football's Frankenstein with bizarre comparative analysis
The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two months away, which means it’s the time of year for horrible player comparisons. We got just that on Friday, when former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert spoke about his admiration for former Miami All-American wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. Things got weird very quickly. As Benkert began talking about […]
The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two months away, which means it’s the time of year for horrible player comparisons. We got just that on Friday, when former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert spoke about his admiration for former Miami All-American wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. Things got weird very quickly.
As Benkert began talking about his “#1 sleeper in this draft”, he laid out the split comparison for the former Hurricanes star. When we typically discuss any talented slot receivers coming out, there seems to always be the same comparisons that arise.
Cooper Kupp is the easy option for all he has accomplished in the NFL, and the style he plays. Benkert went a step further and looped in that Restrepo wasn’t just similar to Kupp, but he also has some parallels to Los Angeles Chargers star rookie Ladd McConkey.
When we do break down the comparison between Kupp and McConkey, both are very different types of slot receivers. Kupp is a physical power slot, while McConkey is a quick and explosive one that can also play a lot as a Z receiver. Benkert isn’t saying they are similar players, but combining those two players can create some realistic expectations.
Let’s basically paint the picture of Cooper Kupp with more explosiveness and quickness in and out of breaks. Pretty unstoppable player, right? While Restrepo is good, that does seem like a pretty hyperbolic assessment.
Restrepo is complimented constantly for his nuance as a player, and consistency as a pass receiver. He is, however, not known for his overall athleticism. One of the big knocks about Restrepo’s game is explosiveness and overall long speed, so it’s unsure where the comparison between him and McConkey makes sense. If anything, a much smaller Kupp may be more appropriate.
As if that wasn’t enough, Benkert once again went one step further. He also commented that Restrepo “also has a touch of what makes Travis Kelce special – spatial awareness and nuance at the top of his routes.” What are we doing here?
There are plenty of more comparable slot receivers such as Keenan Allen, Julian Edelman, or even Kupp that excel at the top of routes. No, let’s compare how a 6-5, 250-pound tight end sets up routes and creates instant separation. It feels like a pointless addition just to use another big name.
In the end, let’s let Restrepo be himself. Player comparisons are fun, but taking them to this ridiculous extreme, just causes people to roll their eyes. Some fans out there are just excited to be Frankenstein's monster of slot receivers who is going to challenge to be the greatest wide receiver of all time.
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