The Green Bay Packers went into this offseason desperately needing to make a major upgrade at wide receiver, and just might have checked that box after selecting former University of Texas standout Matthew Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Christian Watson’s availability this upcoming season, and on the heels of a wildly inconsistent season from the likes of Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs in 2024, the Packers have high hopes that Golden can become a playmaker stretching the field for quarterback Jordan Love.
At least one NFL executive is optimistic that the Packers’ big investment in Golden will pay big dividends.
“That pick was all about adding speed,” a rival NFC Executive tells me, of the Packers taking Golden. “Green Bay’s about to go vertical.”
Golden, six-feet and 195 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds, fastest among receivers at the NFL Combine back in March and is looking to leverage his off the charts speed into major production in an offense that came up short in the biggest moments last season.
Adding Golden to quarterback Jordan Love’s arsenal has the chance to throw open head coach Matt LaFleur’s playbook, create opportunities for the other young homegrown pass catchers in Love’s arsenal and perhaps raise the Packers’ ceiling this fall.
