With the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft officially in the books, let’s take a look at the Green Bay Packers’ selection of one of the top receiving prospects in this year’s draft class: WR Matthew Golden.
Follow Blitz on Twitter (X) all weekend long for real-time draft updates and analysis.
Matthew Golden Fantasy Outlook
The Green Bay Packers made history in their town last night after investing in a first-round wide receiver for the first time since 2002. The Packers selected Texas WR Matthew Golden at 23rd overall in last night’s first round action, adding an immediate downfield threat to QB Jordan Love and HC Matt LaFleur’s offensive arsenal. Golden brings elite speed (4.29 forty-speed) to an already loaded Green Bay offense, and should slide in perfectly behind WR Jayden Reed as the team’s WR2.
After starting his collegiate career at Houston, Golden transferred to Texas and immediately became the Longhorns’ top receiving threat, leading the team with 987 yards and nine touchdowns on 58 receptions. He averaged an explosive 17.0 yards per catch and consistently showcased his ability to separate at the top of routes. At 6’0” and 195 pounds, Golden may not be the most physically imposing receiver, but his crisp route running, reliable hands, and elite 4.29 speed make him a dangerous deep threat.
Ranked as the 24th overall draft prospect on Blitz’s Pre-Draft Big Board, and projected to go as high as 15th overall in JLSports’ NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Final Edition, Golden lands in an ideal home in Green Bay. Packers HC Matt LaFleur’s offense thrives on vertical passing, and the third-year Texas wideout fits the mold perfectly. The 21-year-old Houston native runs an impressive route tree thanks to spending one year in Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense, and showcases excellent change of pace and acceleration to generate separation both at the line of scrimmage and on breaks.
While Golden enters a crowded WR room in Green Bay, the only receiver position truly solidified is WR Jayden Reed’s role in the slot. WR Christian Watson’s injury history and inconsistencies (13% target share in 2024) open the door for Golden to make an early impact on the outside opposite of WR Romeo Doubs.
While he lacks elite vision to generate substantial yards after the catch (YAC) in tight situations, Golden has premier ball tracking skills and secures the ball consistently, evidenced by his 77% catch-rate in games where he recorded 4-plus receptions during his lone season with the Longhorns. That should be music to Packers fans’ ears, as Green Bay receivers struggled to reel in targets consistently in 2024, hauling in a paltry 61% of balls thrown their way.
In addition, Golden thrives under pressure, having saved his strongest performances for the biggest stages during his tenure as a Longhorn. He set season highs with eight catches for 162 yards in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, and averaged 102.8 receiving yards between the SEC title game and the CFP playoffs.
Expect HC Matt LaFleur to utilize Golden similarly to how Andy Reid and the Chiefs used WR Xavier Worthy last season, as both a downfield threat and a weapon in the open field. Golden’s speed and versatility to lineup across multiple formations all but guarantee him significant snap counts in the Packers’ 5th-best statistical offense from 2024. Not to mention, Green Bay ranked third in wide receiver yards per catch (14.34) a season ago, giving Golden plenty of opportunity to contribute immediately, fantasy-wise.
In re-draft leagues, Golden projects as a WR3 with breakout ability and presents high-end flex appeal in Year One. He offers tremendous upside in dynasty formats and should easily be a first-round selection in rookies-only dynasty drafts. It’s not often that the Packers invest a first-round selection into a wide receiver – I would bet Green Bay has big plans for Golden.
