The Green Bay Packers are banking on Matthew Golden’s game-altering speed taking the top off secondaries and unlocking the explosiveness of the offense for quarterback Jordan Love, but that isn’t the only benefit the rookie wide receiver is bringing.
Golden’s 4.22 speed is self-explanatory, as is his 17 yards per reception average last season at Texas. However, the space that speed and attention defenses must pay Golden creates for the Packers’ other weapons may be an underrated asset for Love and the rest of the offense.
Green Bay Packers, Matthew Golden, Matt LaFleue
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur talks to wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) during Family Night on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
“Golden is the Packers’ first first-round wide receiver draft pick since 2002,” Dalton Wasserman points out for Pro Football Focus. “And they’re hoping his blazing speed can loosen up opposing secondaries. In his lone season at Texas, Golden ranked 14th in the FBS with a nearly perfect 99.6 deep PFF receiving grade. Not only will he hit home runs on his own routes, but he should allow the rest of the team’s receivers to better separate underneath.”
Golden could prove to be exactly what Love and the Packers’ offense need to reach new heights in 2025; an explosive weapon built for Love’s best attributes pushing the ball deep, as well as the kind of receiver wh open sup opportunities underneath for the likes of Tucker Kraft, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks to excel in the intermediate pasisng game, which could only boost Love and Green Bay’s production.
A year removed from the ground game being the Packers’ most consistent focal point, Golden may unlock the full potential of Green Bay’s passing attack.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22)
Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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