DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: The NFL logo is pictured on a Wilson brand football before the game between the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone and the NFL Draft is now closer than ever. With the biggest day in the year coming for most prospects, the preparation for the draft, which is set to take place from April 24 to April 26 in Lambeau Field is intensifying. In the combine, players underwent tests and evaluations that ranged from a 40-yard dash, a vertical jump, a 20-yard shuttle, and position-specific drills, to interviews, drug screenings, and physical and injury evaluations set to help teams determine who can better help them going forward.
But which players made an impression during the combine? Who is going to fill which need for which organization? And which players from our communities have a good chance of getting their name called during the Draft? Here, we break down the Latino players to watch before the NFL draft.
Restrepo, a wide receiver of Colombian heritage, is considered one of the best receivers in the draft class and is projected to be a second or third-round draft pick. The Miami Hurricanes’ all-time receiving and touchdown leader was a big part of why the UM offense was so good, and he’s unlikely to stay on the board for long.
“Who’s going to be the guy that I trust to get open and get me out of trouble? It’s [Xavier] Restrepo” –@McShay13
Martinez, a running back of Mexican Heritage, posted pretty good numbers at the NFL combine. And though he’s not much of a receiver, the Miami Hurricanes player has proven he can improve enough to end up being versatile, catching more balls every season he’s played. He’s projected to be drafted in the fifth round of the draft, and is expected to be a backup at first, but could grow into a starter.
A big, heavy, and reliable TE of Mexican heritage, Arroyo would be projected as a much higher draft pick if he hadn’t missed two seasons after tearing his ACL. He was healthy and played his last season, catching 35 passes for 590 yards and 7 TDs. Nothing to scoff at. He should at least be a fourth or fifth-round selection. He’s also from the Miami Hurricanes.
Miami's Elijah Arroyo is already my TE3. Very fluid athlete with the traits to be a downfield threat in the NFL pic.twitter.com/f6gSfDD3d8
One of the top kickers in the class, Borregales, of Venezuelan heritage, is expected to be selected in the sixth or seventh round. He’s made 86% of kicks in his career, with over 75% from over 50 yards. Good kickers are rare, so Borregales is sure to find a team in the upcoming NFL Draft. Also, we didn’t mean to include another Miami Hurricanes player.
One of the premier kickers in the class, Miami’s Andres Borregales met with a long list of teams during Shrine week, including the following:
Castro, of Mexican heritage, is a run-first defender for the Iowa Hawkeyes who played 12 games in 2024 and made 57 tackles. His biggest strength is his versatility, as he played multiple spots in Iowa’s defense. He’ll add depth and is likely to contribute on special teams as well, which means he’ll likely be interesting to some teams in the later rounds.
Been watching tape on guys I haven’t got to. Sebastian Castro is a interesting nickle/safety prospect pic.twitter.com/F3l0S8Efte
