On Wednesday, the media covering the Green Bay Packers had the opportunity to see how the chemistry is blossoming with quarterback Jordan Love and rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden.
The Packers went outside of their comfort zone in the first round of this year’s draft, selecting Golden with the No. 23 pick. Green Bay had waited 23 years to draft a receiver in the first round, as general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the scouting combine, the team would only take one if the right guy was there.
Following the selection on draft night, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur FaceTimed Love to let the quarterback know he needed to loosen up his arm so he could throw passes to the sub-4.3 receiver. Love said recently that he couldn’t wait to work with Golden on the practice field.
Love’s opportunity to work with Golden came sooner than expected for most rookies.
The Green Bay Packers gave Matthew Golden first-team reps
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field.
Nov 28, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Per Weston Hodkiewicz of the Packers, Green Bay gave Golden reps with the first team.
“Golden getting reps with the ones,” Hodkiewicz wrote. “Thats become more of a thing in the modern day than the MM years but still interesting.”
Golden and Jordan Love must build chemistry in the offseason
Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers, NFL Draft
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.
It might not have been the norm for a wide receiver to work with the first team when Javon Walker waited to catch passes from Brett Favre in 2002, but Green Bay is quickly catching up to the modern era with Golden.
Now the Packers hope Golden can quickly get up to speed with the offense this spring and summer. With his skill set, Golden could have defenses chasing after him this fall if he builds a strong connection with Love in OTAs and training camp.
Packers QB Jordan Love has an NFL MVP case to make
Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) walks out of the tunnel during warmups before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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