Golden doesn't excel at getting yards after the catch, but he knows how to use his skill to get open. He caught 73.2% of his targets against zone coverage, receiving a grade of 70.1 from PFF. However, some of his best catches came against man coverage, like his one-handed touchdown grab against Vanderbilt a 35-yard catch on third-and-14 against Georgia in the SEC Championship.
"He's a terrific route runner who is smooth getting in and out of his breaks, and he has reliable hands," [\*\*wrote ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.\*\*](https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/insider/story/_/id/41109018/2025-nfl-draft-rankings-mel-kiper-big-board-top-prospects-players) "Golden is a big-play receiver, too. He averaged over 20 yards per reception in nine different games last season. And with his 4.29 speed, he can beat just about anyone in a foot race."
The Commanders, who had the NFL's seventh-ranked offense in 2024 but ranked 17th in passing yards, have been searching for a No. 2 receiver to pair with Terry McLaurin. They had success in that at times with Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, but both players are set to be free agents this week. Even if they try to keep one or both players this offseason, it will still benefit them to have a long-term answer.
In some ways, Golden offers much of what the Commanders already have at receiver. He's a shorter (5-foot-11) and smaller (191 pounds) player who is quick with reliable hands and a knack for creating big plays. Aside from Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, that description matches several of the Commanders' receivers in 2024.
However, the Commanders, like several other NFL teams, are looking for more ways to manufacture explosive plays. Golden might not fit the mold of a conventional No. 2 receiver, but he could provide Washington's offense with the sparks they're looking for.
"Golden's starting-level traits and big leap forward as a go-to playmaker have him primed to become a productive catch-maker," Zierlein wrote, "with the potential to develop into a WR1 in the future."