Packers can still squeeze more immediate value from Matthew Golden if they adjust how he is used late this season
Rookie first-round wide receiver hasn’t had nearly as much production as expected before the season.
The Green Bay Packers finally took a wide receiver in the first round after 23 years. But that doesn’t mean they would create a scenario to actually make the most out of the player’s immediate production — ultimately, the Packers as a franchise prioritize development and long-term results over short-term individual results.
That helps explain why Golden has had only 27 receptions for 341 yards through 12 games. It’s a similar circumstance that the franchise had with other high draft picks: Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams. All of them had quiet first years in the NFL and later developed into great pieces.
How the Packers can still use Golden
That doesn’t mean that Matthew Golden will be great just because he is a high pick for the Packers and struggled to a certain extent as a rookie. But it’s important to point out that his immediate production is not necessarily a reflection of his talent level or potential upside.
The question for this year, though, is if Golden can have a real role in the offense to have more impact down the stretch. For now, he’s third in receiving yards among Packers wide receivers, behind Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. With Jayden Reed back from injury, Golden is essentially a WR4 at best.
In the past few games, though, a weird trend has been consolidated. Golden had only one target, and that was behind the line of scrimmage, and two rushing attempts in end arounds.
His average depth of target doesn’t seem that bad (13.8), even though it’s well behind deep threat like Bo Melton (20.1) and Christian Watson (18.1) — Golden’s ADoT is higher than Romeo Doubs (13.8), Dontayvion Wicks (11.8), Jayden Reed (8.4), and Savion Williams (1.2).
However, it has been very pound and bomb for one specific player. From Golden’s 37 touches this season, 17 have been behind the line of scrimmage — 10 rushing attempts plus seven receptions. So for Golden to have a reasonable average depth of target with seven catches behind the LOS, the rest has to be deep shots.
Matthew Golden is not necessarily a deep threat in the same way as Christian Watson — even though Golden had a great 40-time, his top speed on the tape doesn’t match that. Golden is more refined, with a smooth route running.
If the Packers want to create a bigger role to make Golden more efficient while on the field, creating intermediate opportunities is the first big step. Now, the question is if the rookie will have enough volume to make a real difference.
Green Bay Packers News
Jordan Love is snubbed, and the flawed perception around him could become the motivational spark the Packers didn’t know they needed
In his third year as a starter, Jordan Love is yet to make his first Pro Bowl.
