Matthew Golden: 2025 Player Profile

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Matthew Golden

Age: 21

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 191

Career Stats: 36 G/ 134 Rec/ 1,975 Yds/ 22 TD

24' Stats: 16 G / 58 Rec / 987 yds / 9 TD

College YPR: 14.7 YPR

Target Share: 18.1%

Catch Rate: 64.4%

College Dominator Score: 24.1%

Athleticism Score: N/A (-)

All Time Athleticism Rank (N/A)

Combine Scores:

40 (4.29) Cone (N/A) Vert (N/A)

NFL Next Gen Grade: 82 (Good)

FITTING THE NFL MOLD

Ideally, a WRs height will be between 6'1" and 6'3" and he will weigh somewhere between 205 and 215 lbs. Golden is a small speedster who will likely either operate as a slot receiver or a #2 on the perimeter. The three greatest predictors of NFL success for WRs in the combine are the 40 Yard Dash, the 3-Cone Drill, and the Vertical Jump. These test a players speed as well as their ability to high point a ball. Golden showed his elite 99.9% percentile 40-yard dash speed (4.29) but declined to participate in the other events at the Combine and his Pro Day.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Two factors that scouts will raise red flags on are if a receiver has multiple 100+ reception seasons along with injuries and if they play in air-raid or spread heavy systems. Golden has very little wear and tear as he had a minimal impact his first two years at Houston and then a 58-reception season last year at Texas. He is young but he is also pretty raw.

WATCHING THE TAPE

   Golden's speed is obvious as he was frequently able to get behind defenders on go-routes. Golden has some nice hands and does a good job of getting his body turned around to make difficult catches. He uses his speed to get to the soft areas and exploit breakdowns in opposing defenses. He is able to apply the brakes as well leaving defenders diving after him when he changes direction. He doesn't have the smoothest route running as he relies on his elite speed to get the job done.

THE LANDING SPOT

   The Packers finally dipped back into the 1st Rd WR fun and selected the speedster out of Texas. He'll join a team filled with guys that are very similar. This room was already crowded and then the packers selected two WRs with early selections. While they likely ship out Doubs, Golden will still have to compete against Reed, Watson, and Wicks to see meaningful time on the field. Golden will likely be a deep threat and gadget player in his first year but seeing over 50% of the snaps is going to be an uphill battle.

WHERE TO DRAFT HIM

   In redraft leagues, Golden should mostly go undrafted unless rosters have deep benches. At best he should be a late round flyer. In Dynasty rookie drafts, Golden is deserving of an early to mid 2nd round selection.

Player Comp

Tyler Lockett