Matthew

Golden

Let’s get this out of the way first: Golden (5’11/191) is fast. Despite the fact that Golden never looked quite as fast as his 4.29 40-yard dash suggests, no one is disputing Golden’s wheels. He is also young, currently checking in four months shy of his 22nd birthday. Everything else? It’s more complicated. Golden failed to reach 1,000 yards last season despite appearing in a record-breaking 16 games, while he totaled just 988 during his two years as a Houston Cougar. Golden got bullied by man coverage in Austin, averaging an anemic .98 yards per route run when singled up. He did improve as the 2024 season wore on, stepping up for big plays as the Longhorns struggled to rely on Isaiah Bond. Golden also has nice hands, and is capable of highlight-reel catches. Better on the outside than in, Golden currently lacks a complete route tree. He’s also not yet much of a tackle-breaker. This pick and projection is all about Golden’s speed and youth. His tape reveals an inconsistent wideout who could nevertheless develop into a versatile option capable of doing damage at all three levels of the field. That’s a No. 1 receiver profile. You just wish those skills had been more evident during his three years in big-time college football. With Christian Watson recovering from a late-season torn ACL, Golden should open the year as Jordan Love’s primary deep threat, giving him a strong weekly ceiling out of the gate.

This is likely a non-story. Golden was timed at 4.29 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, registering the fastest time among wide receiver prospects. While Golden is probably just keeping himself atop news cycles, we can quietly make note of his claim regarding the ankle. Golden reportedly suffered a high-ankle sprain in January. If the ankle really is still bothering him three months later, it could be something to monitor. He was healthy enough to lead his position group at the combine’s most-watched event, though, so fans and fantasy managers alike should not be overly concerned.

Golden was already reported to visit the Buccaneers, Cowboys, and Packers last week. He has since also visited the Lions, Texans, Chargers and Broncos. The Lions and Texans don’t need a WR1 but could use an additional wideout for their offenses and the 21-year-old Golden offers speed and vertical ability. Meanwhile, the Chargers can insert Golden on the outside with Ladd McConkey in the slot to stretch the field with Mike Williams back in Los Angeles. The Broncos recently signed Courtland Sutton to an extension, but Golden would add another outside target for Bo Nix’s growth. Several teams are evaluating Golden as his rising draft stock sits squarely in the first round.

Golden has visited with several teams in the lead up to the 2025 draft, where he could be the first receiver off the board. Golden has held pre-draft meetings with the Cowboys, the Bucs, and the Steelers. Green Bay is still looking for an unquestioned WR1 after none of their four main wideouts stepped in 2024. Golden is similar size and has similar speed to Jayden Reed, though Reed’s after the catch production was far superior coming into the league. The Packers could be among a handful of teams jockeying on draft night to land Golden, 21, as his draft stock steadily rises.

Golden is in the conversation to be the first wide receiver selected in the 2025 NFL Draft after running a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and gaining steam up draft boards. He is expected to visit the Cowboys on Thursday following a visit with the Buccaneers on Tuesday. The 21-year-old started his college career in Houston before transferring to Texas to the tune of 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The Cowboys pick at No. 12 in the draft and would have the chance to take Golden to pair with CeeDee Lamb as a downfield target for Dak Prescott.

Golden, who NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport believes is “in the mix” to be the first receiver off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, is slated to speak with Tampa coaches and front office officials as the Bucs consider how to approach the 19th pick in the draft. Golden, 21, went for 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last year at Texas as a downfield dominator. Golden caught seven of 13 deep ball targets for 248 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. He would be a nice complement to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, and would likely play ahead of Jalen McMillan.

It’s not really news, though it’s further confirmation Golden is safely ticketed for Day 1. 21-year-old Golden’s overall collegiate production leaves something to be desired, but his 2024 breakout and confirmed 4.29 speed have understandably tantalized the league. Golden could be particularly coaching staff dependent as a prospect, but the right coach could make him a major fantasy contributor in a hurry.

Pre-draft visits aren’t everything, but the Steelers have historically drafted from their visit list at a strikingly high clip. Five of Pittsburgh’s seven draft picks last year were brought in for a visit. Golden was a Day One hopeful after going for 987 yards and nine scores at Texas last year. He then cemented his status as a first-round wideout at the NFL Combine with a 4.29 Forty. With George Pickens entering a contract year, the Steelers could be looking for his successor via the draft, even with DK Metcalf also on the roster.