Inside the bold Packers move to break a 23-year streak and what it says about Matthew Golden's offensive potential within Matt LaFleur's scheme
Incomplete athletic profile because he opted not to test. On the shorter and lighter spectrum at his position. Not overly exciting production at the college level. Some think he will primarily be a slot receiver. From all the chances the Green Bay Packers had to break the two-decade streak and select a wide receiver in […]
Incomplete athletic profile because he opted not to test. On the shorter and lighter spectrum at his position. Not overly exciting production at the college level. Some think he will primarily be a slot receiver. From all the chances the Green Bay Packers had to break the two-decade streak and select a wide receiver in the first round, Matthew Golden is as unlikely of a profile as you could imagine.
But here we are, and there are good reasons for what happened. Because Golden is an athletic player, and there are other metrics to evaluate that without the pre-draft testing, because the Packers think he can be an outside receiver, because his speed can add an element the offense didn't have. And more.
"He's one of those guys. Covering him from a man perspective is gonna be extremely tough," general manager Brian Gutekunst said right after making the pick. "We get to some of those third downs when people are trying to mug us up, and you need someone to get open fast, he can do that. This goes back, and I can hear Ted (Thompson) in my head, you gotta catch it, and he had such good hands. For me, that was a big part of it too."
The most concerning part about Golden's profile is the lack of college production. His career 1.85 yards per route run is well below the other top prospects of the class, including players drafted after him like Jayden Higgins, Luther Burden, and Tre Harris. But as always, the Packers see the possibility of getting a player who will reach his prime playing for them.
"He's a third-year junior coming out. He's a young guy, and I think his best football is ahead of him," Gutekunst mentioned. "He still has a lot of room for growth. He's not at his ceiling. When I went to the Pro Day, I think he had progressed from the season until there, with some of his route-running and some of the things he did."
The Packers had opportunities to trade down and similarly graded players on the board at 23. However, the streak had to end. The Packers wanted a difference-maker, and they believe Matthew Golden can be exactly that.
What Golden brings to the table
Schematically, Golden offers enough versatility—something the Packers truly value— and some traits that match what Matt LaFleur likes to run. His speed is a big part of this.
Motions
In 2023, Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins implemented the outmotion, using Tyreek Hill's speed even before the snap to create an advantage. That movement quickly spread around the NFL, including with the Packers. Jayden Reed frequently does it. Golden did it in college too, and it's a great way to give him an easier start and avoid press from the opposing cornerbacks.
Tracking
When asked about what made him value Golden, Gutekunst mentioned his ability to track the football, even over his shoulders. After suffering with drops from the wide receivers in 2024, it was important for the Packers to get someone who can create under tough circumstances.
Strong hands
And talking about drops, his 6.6% rate in 2024 is not exactly elite for prospects, but the Packers see strong hands on tape.
"When you watch him, he arguably has some of the best hands in the draft," Gutekunst added. "We certainly felt that he could play outside and that was important to us."
At the biggest moments, the Packers want someone who can be reliable.
"In critical situations, I always showed up," Golden said after the selection. "When our back was against the wall, they could count on me to come out with a big play, and that's something I kept doing continuously. Coming here, that's definitely the same mindset I'm bringing—to make big plays and come out here and win games."
Yards after the catch
Last season, Golden had 5.2 yards after the catch per reception. He's not a player who will make opponents miss in space necessarily, but he has the ability to break tackles in short areas and get a few extra yards all the time—the play above may remind you of Randall Cobb. His pro comp, via Ryan Roberts, is Doug Baldwin.
Immediate impact
Overall, the Packers believe Matthew Golden can contribute right away, even though he wasn't drafted based on his productivity. Unlike the toolsy defensive players the Packers took in years prior, the belief is that receivers come into the NFL readier.
"I think the world has changed a little bit, it (used to take) receivers a little bit of time to get going, it used to be like that, and then in Year 2, or middle of Year 3 when things slowed down for them and they could really produce. We've had a lot of history with that," Gutekunst explained. "Because of the high school football, the way they throw it around, seven-on-sevens, and some of the things that have changed at the lower levels, guys are coming in and making an impact quicker. I certainly think that Matthew has the opportunity to do that."
The Packers didn't necessarily need a wide receiver in the first round. Breaking the trend wasn't an obligation. But they think Matthew Golden offered a special opportunity, and when the board felt right, it was simply too good to pass up.
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