The Green Bay Packers are doing their homework ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and their most recent visit could be the most exciting yet. The quickest wide receiver in this year’s draft class has officially met with the Packers, raising concerns around the league. With Jordan Love on track for a career season, might this speedster be the missing deep threat in Green Bay’s growing offense? Let’s look at who he is, what he contributes, and why fans should be paying close attention.
Green Bay, Wisconsin – Matthew Golden of Texas, the fastest receiver at this year’s Scouting Combine, flew into Green Bay on Thursday for a pre-draft visit with the Packers, according to his Instagram.
In the midst of a great senior season, Golden made a name for himself by catching eight passes for 162 yards against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game and seven passes for 149 yards and one touchdown against Arizona State in the College Football Playoffs.
He then advanced to the first round after running his 40 in 4.29 seconds at the Scouting Combine.
The Packers have expressed a strong interest in Golden throughout the draft process. They spoke with him formally at the Combine, and general manager Brian Gutekunst went to Texas’ pro day. Golden is now traveling to Green Bay so that the coaches can get a better look at the player who might become the team’s first first-round receiver since Javon Walker back in 2002.
When asked at the Scouting Combine what makes him a quarterback’s “best friend,” he said, “Being a reliable target.” Whenever you need that clutch play, I can make any play that comes my way while staying on the same page as the quarterback at the appropriate time.”
The Packers need speed at receiver. The Packers fell 0-3 after Christian Watson missed Week 17 against Minnesota with a knee injury, the majority of Week 18 against Chicago with a ruptured ACL, and the playoff defeat to the Eagles due to the ACL.
While Watson’s stats were not very impressive, it is worth noting that Green Bay’s passing offense was 1.27 yards better while he was on the field than when he was not. The rushing game was also 0.35 yards better. Simply put, defenses had to be mindful of him at all times, resulting in opportunities for other players.
Golden, who measured 5-foot-11 at the Combine, lacks Watson’s stature, but his explosive speed makes him a threat on every play.
Last season at Texas, he grabbed 13 of 22 passes thrown 20 yards or more downfield, according to Pro Football Focus. The 59.1 percent catch rate was second in the class among receivers targeted at least 12 times.
“The one-on-one routes to the boundary, I can get open to the boundary,” he told me. “I can adjust my tempo, speed, and snap down and return to the quarterback. I can spread the field vertically. I also enjoy the running game. “I take great pride in blocking.”
However, Golden is more than just a one-trick pony. He averaged 5.2 yards after the catch per catch, with a lot of potential due to his speed.
nt). According to Pro Football Focus, he dropped four passes, while Sports Info Solutions reported three drops.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network rated Golden as the top receiver in the draft class, highlighting his speed, polish, and run-after-catch ability.
Before the Combine, Jeremiah discussed Golden and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, saying, “I’ve become kind of obsessed with receivers with the thought of keeping an eye out for guys who are grounded through the catch, guys who really trust their hands and run through the ball.”
“I just placed more emphasis on it. You can see that the truly great receivers in the NFL have that attribute, that confidence in their hands, which allows them to do so much after the catch as well.
Golden played the slot around one-fourth of the time in 2024. His ability to follow the ball, play tough, and make something happen after the catch should give him the potential to be an immediate impact player.
“You can move me anywhere,” he said. “I can be open at any phase or level. Just learning the game and seeing what the team wants me to accomplish. I’m also reliable on special teams, so I believe I can impact the game in any way.”
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