Golden becomes Packers' first 1st-round WR since 2002

The Green Bay Packers selected Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 23rd overall.

Golden becomes the Packers' first wide receiver drafted in the opening round since 2002, when they selected Javon Walker. The Texas standout enters the pro ranks after tying for the SEC lead with nine receiving touchdowns and racking up 987 yards.

Green Bay snapped its streak of not selecting wideouts in the opening round in front of a raucous crowd with the team hosting the 2025 NFL Draft.

Quarterback Jordan Love gains another target in a passing attack featuring Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson.

Pre-draft profile

Golden is a fascinating prospect. The consistency of production isn't in line with your typical first-round receiver, and he doesn't exactly have the frame of a prototypical No. 1 target on the outside. It may seem, then, that his stock rose largely because of a blazing 40 time at the combine. That's not quite the case, though. A sub-4.3 run is electric, to be sure, and that rare speed will be a central part of his value moving forward. But Golden is also an excellent route-runner. He creates instant separation off the line with a good release package and demonstrates impressive quickness at the top of his routes. He tracks the ball well, showing the ability to make adjustments for difficult catches downfield, and he's more competitive in contested-catch situations than most receivers his size. Don't overthink the statistical output here. His 2024 season could have been a lot better if quarterback play took advantage of his ability to stretch the field. Golden should have that in the NFL, giving him star potential.