First Round Pick #23 - Matthew Golden WR - Texas

[gopkrs]

Packers Total Access Podcast had a Chalk Talk episode last night breaking Golden down. 3 things that stood out.

1. Golden creates separation
2. He plucks the ball with his hands, doesn't body catch
3. Quinn Ewers is not a good QB, and Golden has very few accuratepasses thrown his way. Tons of underthrown, and off target passes.

I've heard that b4 about Ewers. He did get drafted though.

 

[OldSchool101]

After studying Golden a little closer, another player with a similar scouting report was Amon Rah St Brown. Actually Amon Rah reports weren’t as positive to be accurate. He held a grade more in that Top 50-125 area parameters. Golden’s imo was more that Top 15-40 spread.
Also St Brown when used as a Perimter WR lacked the speed to Win vertically and he floundered. When moved inside to Slot he was a perfect fit. Anon Rah had some concerns about size and focus drops. Very similar tune.

Golden? He’s got Amon Rah like profile but add vertical speed. Which gives him the ability to Win in all 3 primary WR roles. There is nothing to guarantee he will produce St Browns 900+ Rookie season. Yet nothing to deter him from it either.

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[Heyjoe4]

After studying Golden a little closer, another player with a similar scouting report was Amon Rah St Brown. Actually Amon Rah reports weren’t as positive to be accurate. He held a grade more in that Top 50-125 area parameters. Golden’s imo was more that Top 15-40 spread.
Also St Brown when used as a Perimter WR lacked the speed to Win vertically and he floundered. When moved inside to Slot he was a perfect fit. Anon Rah had some concerns about size and focus drops. Very similar tune.

Golden? He’s got Amon Rah like profile but add vertical speed. Which gives him the ability to Win in all 3 primary WR roles. There is nothing to guarantee he will produce St Browns 900+ Rookie season. Yet nothing to deter him from it either.

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Interesting comparison. St. Brown is one of those examples of a later pick upping his game in the NFL. Nacua is another in LA. Those guys are hard to find.

Golden's speed and build are more like Tyreek Hill. And if Golden could produce half as much as Hill, well the Packers will have a winner.

 

[tynimiller]

I am still just sitting here praying I got Golden wrong from a prospect perspective...I did not see a first rounder let alone a guy I'd pick over few others that went later...HOPE I'M WRONG in every way possible LOL

 

[OldSchool101]

I am still just sitting here praying I got Golden wrong from a prospect perspective...I did not see a first rounder let alone a guy I'd pick over few others that went later...HOPE I'M WRONG in every way possible LOL

I hope you’re wrong too! Lol.

I thinks he’s the perfect (not as in won’t make mistakes) “all around WR” that can win in a variety of ways. I think we targeted him for a lots of reasons. One of the top reasons is he is said to be an exceptional teammate and he has a high echelon work ethic. He apparently displayed that in HS, for Houston AND for the Longhorns. His Coaches have been impressed at each level.
I like he’s got a swagger that reminds me of J’aire. They both go out there convinced they will dominate their opponent and much of the time they follow through.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I hope you’re wrong too! Lol.

I thinks he’s the perfect all around WR that can win in a variety of ways. I think we targeted him for a lots of reasons. One of the top reasons is he is said to be an exceptional teammate and he has a high echelon work ethic. He apparently displayed that in HS, for Houston AND for the Longhorns. His Coaches have been impressed at each level.
I like he’s got a swagger that reminds me of J’aire. They both go out there convinced they will dominate their opponent and much of the time they follow through.

The two biggest skills Golden has are speed and ability to catch almost everything. He literally comes in a little short at 5'11" but I think he weighs 190 or 195, so he has a strong build.

Ty really liked Higgins, and sure enough, Higgins was selected at #34, 11 spots behind Golden. It will be interesting to see how their rookie years compare, and then their careers.

 

[OldSchool101]

Ty really liked Higgins, and sure enough, Higgins was selected at #34, 11 spots behind Golden. It will be interesting to see how their rookie years compare, and then their careers.

Exactly. Most often the Packers hold players back some their Rookie season. I remember watching Davante in 2014. We used him sparingly, but you could immediately see that fluid movement in games. I see that similarity in Wicks, he just needs to hold on to those drops!
Different systems, different outcomes. The QB will have much to do with his production also. I do think GB won’t hold him back as much as we normally do. I’m expecting in that 750+ 6TD area. Because.. This IS the NFL.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Exactly. Most often the Packers hold players back some their Rookie season. I remember watching Davante in 2014. We used him sparingly, but you could immediately see that fluid movement in games. I see that similarity in Wicks, he just needs to hold on to those drops!
Different systems, different outcomes. The QB will have much to do with his production also. I do think GB won’t hold him back as much as we normally do. I’m expecting in that 750+ 6TD area. Because.. This IS the NFL.

Good comparison between Adams and Wicks during their first and second seasons. A lot of people don't remember, but Adams had a big problem with drops his first two years. And he was constantly arguing with refs over "missed PI/holding calls". Seems he matured quite a bit by year three, and the bickering stopped, and he started catching balls. Along with his incredible talent at creating separation, he took off.

It's hard to predict how any rookie will do. And you're right, GB brings rookies along slowly - just look at Edgerrin Cooper from last season.

I'd be happy with a 750 yd, 6 TD season for Golden, but I'm hoping for more. Cooper was a 4th round pick so the comparison to Golden isn't precise. Golden will compete for a starting job immediately, and it seems likely he will succeed.

 

[OldSchool101]

I'd be happy with a 750 yd, 6 TD season for Golden, but I'm hoping for more. Cooper was a 4th round pick so the comparison to Golden isn't precise. Golden will compete for a starting job immediately, and it seems likely he will succeed.

Oh if Golden hits he could go much higher than my guess. I guess I’m just factoring there is often a transition factor or learning curve etc. Then GB likes to go delicate on players their Rookie season. Although Golden could be the exception based on Watson being out and out need for a vertical threat.

Cooper was 45th overall, but your point is recognized anyways. I hope we play Golden plenty. 50-75 touches is what I’d like.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Oh if Golden hits he could go much higher than my guess. I guess I’m just factoring there is often a transition factor or learning curve etc. Then GB likes to go delicate on players their Rookie season. Although Golden could be the exception based on Watson being out and out need for a vertical threat.

Cooper was 45th overall, but your point is recognized anyways. I hope we play Golden plenty. 50-75 touches is what I’d like.

Totally agree on patience, by fans.

There will Packers fans that will scream "Bust!", after his 1st dropped pass.

Give him time folks, Davante "Paddle hands" Adams didn't hit his stride until year 3. Heck, he really wasn't a top WR until year 5.

 

[gopkrs]

I think he'll be good out of the gate. But we have a lot of weapons so I won't care if his stats are not through the roof. The other receiver we got...Williams? I have no idea what he will do. Most likely sit. I hope LaFleur doesn't force use him.

 

[AmishMafia]

I think he'll be good out of the gate. But we have a lot of weapons so I won't care if his stats are not through the roof. The other receiver we got...Williams? I have no idea what he will do. Most likely sit. I hope LaFleur doesn't force use him.

I see Williams getting a few plays per week. Maybe end around, screens, or quick slants. But i can see us trying to create mismatched there.

Golden is not a finished product but he is no project either. He can produce as a rookie and will get his share of targets. Hope the chemistry with Love develops quickly.

 

[OldSchool101]

Another nice advantage is that imo Golden doesn’t NEED to be a 1000 yard Receiver to make our Offense better than 2024. This current carryover group should each individually have a decent shot at topping 2024. Then we’ve stocked the shelves for some nice future options and depth

If Golden just has a Christian Watson type Rookie season, we should be a Tick better. We also are
1.Deeper in talent options.
2. In a period of 3rd and 4th year athletes where we could very easily see a singular player Pop

We need 1 Or 2 of these guys to shine
(I’m leaving off Reed and Kraft they are already shining)

Doubs (I still don’t think he’s at potential)
Wicks
Golden
Musgrave
Williams

 

[Heyjoe4]

Another nice advantage is that imo Golden doesn’t NEED to be a 1000 yard Receiver to make our Offense better than 2024. This current carryover group should each individually have a decent shot at topping 2024. Then we’ve stocked the shelves for some nice future options and depth

If Golden just has a Christian Watson type Rookie season, we should be a Tick better. We also are
1.Deeper in talent options.
2. In a period where we could very easily see a player Rise in the passing game. We’ve got several guys into that 3,4th year area where history has shown a growth spurt.

We need 1 Or 2 of these guys to
(I’m leaving off Reed and Kraft they are already shining)

Doubs (I still don’t think he’s at potential)
Wicks
Golden
Musgrave
Williams

That's a good list, and yes, at least two of those guys need to have solid seasons. If Love is able to spread the ball around, and I think that's what MLF wants, they may not have a single receiver break 1000 yards, or they could have two or three over 1000 yards. That would be a helluva season for the offense.

 

[DoURant]

There's still a lot of negative discussion on social media about Golden wearing #22, "It isn't a WR number" .... You know what, it's just a number. The guy who plays WR that should have set the bar at wearing #22 at that position is "Tutu" Atwell.

 

[AmishMafia]

There's still a lot of negative discussion on social media about Golden wearing #22, "It isn't a WR number" .... You know what, it's just a number. The guy who plays WR that should have set the bar at wearing #22 at that position is "Tutu" Atwell.

The things people worry about and spend time on.

 

[shockerx]

There's still a lot of negative discussion on social media about Golden wearing #22, "It isn't a WR number" .... You know what, it's just a number. The guy who plays WR that should have set the bar at wearing #22 at that position is "Tutu" Atwell.

Cowboys Bob Hayes was a pretty good #22, hated him and loved him at same time. Wonder if Hayes was faster than Golden?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

There's still a lot of negative discussion on social media about Golden wearing #22, "It isn't a WR number" .... You know what, it's just a number. The guy who plays WR that should have set the bar at wearing #22 at that position is "Tutu" Atwell.

I read that due to respect, he didn't even ask Malik Willis if he'd consider giving up the #2, which Golden wore at Texas and Houston before he transferred.

Just guessing, but I think Matthew will have the option to switch to #2, after this season.

 

[DoURant]

I read that due to respect, he didn't even ask Malik Willis if he'd consider giving up the #2, which Golden wore at Texas and Houston before he transferred.

Just guessing, but I think Matthew will have the option to switch to #2, after this season.

When I was in Green Bay 2 weeks ago, they had signs up at the Packers Pro Shop about not printing/selling Golden uniforms until after training camp.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

When I was in Green Bay 2 weeks ago, they had signs up at the Packers Pro Shop about not printing/selling Golden uniforms until after training camp.

I wouldn't buy a #22 Golden Jersey right now, even if they did sell them. Unless of course, I wanted a "unique Golden Jersey." My money says he is wearing #2 in 2026.

 

[OldSchool101]

Green and Golden Baby!

Not only was #2 His Granfmothers favorite # which is a heartfelt remembrance of her…

I hope Golden uses that 22 as inspiration to make 22 Teams regret passing on him