The Packers organization had a bit of a ‘break the glass’ moment during the 2025 NFL Draft.
After spending the past several years investing the franchise’s first round draft choice to either fortify the offensive line in front of Jordan Love, or address key needs on defense, Green Bay finally chose a wide receiver in the first round, in Texas speedster Matthew Golden, in front of a raucous crowd in the shadow of Lambeau Field.
Now, Golden gets to prove that his 4.29 speed can make a game-altering impact on an offense looking for a spark in the vertical passing game.
Packers WR Matthew Golden’s Rookie of The Year Case
Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love, Tucker Kraft
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) misses the ball during the team’s first day of minicamp on June 10, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Golden has the potential to be the runaway top rookie in the NFC North.
“When you’re the first receiver your team has drafted in Round 1 since 2002,” Demovsky points out for ESPN. “You’d better show it was worth it. And Golden has the opportunity to do just that.
“The receiver picked No. 23 overall by the Packers should get plenty of playing time right away, especially considering receiver Christian Watson’s knee injury will keep him out at the start of the season. As soon as Golden arrived for the Packers’ offseason program, he seemed to immediately jell with Love.”
Golden’s training camp could determine his immediate upside.
If the former University of Texas speed demon proves his game translates to the NFL, and he can come anywhere close to the 17 yards per reception average he posted last season in Austin, while catching nine touchdowns, it will be hard to keep him from the top of the depth chart.
In a division that features rookies such as the Bears’ Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, Golden’s speed and rapport with Love could determine if he can make good on becoming the NFC North’s and the Packers’ immediate impact star.
Green Bay Packers, Matthew Golden, Christian Watson
Wide receiver Matthew Golden of Texas poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy after being selected by the Green Bay Packers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025, in Green Bay.
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