The Packers selected Texas WR Matthew Golden with the 23rd pick of Round 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Golden wins with speed, stop-start ability, and savvy route running. DBs struggled to get their hands on him in press coverage. Golden made early strides at Houston, tallying 77 catches, 1,003 yards, and 13 TDs over his first two seasons. Transferring to Texas in 2024, the 6’0, 195-pounder took his game to another level. He led the Longhorns in receiving yards (987) and TDs (9) while averaging 17.0 yards per catch. Golden drew a Chris Olave comp from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, a skillset with plenty of fantasy potential. He also ranked 38th among Combine WRs in 2024 Target Share at 16.1%, and 29th among those WRs in PFF Receiving Grade with a 75.6. He is currently 21 years old with a Breakout Age of 20.1. He ranked fourth among WRs in our Draft Sharks predraft Rookie Model scoring a 7.73. Our Comp for him in our Rookie Guide is Jeremy Maclin.
With Christian Watson unlikely to play much this season, Golden gives the Packers an immediate outside threat as a speed WR.
His 4.29 40-time shows Golden's potential along with a great college football playoff.
His redraft upside may be capped if the Packers continue to run the football more than pass, but expect a few explosive games for Golden. He has WR4 potential.
The Packers WR group has been fairly mediocre over the past few years, so Golden has a legit opportunity to become their WR1.
He is a speed WR who has never led his team in receiving, so there will likely be some development (and downside).
He should be a late first-round pick.
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