In an 11-minute press conference following Tuesday’s minicamp practice, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love gave another positive early review of rookie receiver Matthew Golden and reiterated how big of a focus getting the ball to tight end Tucker Kraft will be for the Packers passing game in 2025.
Love said Golden, the team’s first-round pick, has been “looking good” at the offseason workout program but must continue to work on getting the offense down ahead of training camp.
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“I think from the get-go, from Day 1 when he got here, he’s showcased just the versatility he has running routes, the speed he has and his ability to catch,” Love said. “I think for him, every day he’s been getting better at just understanding what he needs to do. You could tell the first couple days there might be a couple routes here and there where he just might be thinking a little bit too much out there and not just going out there and playing fast, which is expected for someone who just got here and is learning the whole offense and everything. So, I think the faster he can pick up everything, which I think he’s been doing a great job of understanding where he needs to be and just knowing that, but obviously the more install, the more offense we put in, it gets harder. The more he can stay locked in with all that, I think he’s definitely going to be a playmaker for us and excited to see how far he can go.”
Even in a deep receiver room, Golden has a chance to be an instant contributor given his elite speed and fit in Matt LaFleur’s passing game. But only if he can get up to speed with a complex offense featuring veterans, including Love.
While Golden gets his feet under him, Kraft — who broke out with 707 receiving yards and seven scores in 2024 — is transforming into a go-to player for Love and the Packers entering 2025. Beginning right after the playoff loss in Philadelphia and continuing Tuesday, the Packers have underlined their focus on getting Kraft more involved this season.
“Tuck is going to be a big part of the offense,” Love said. “Since he’s stepped on the scene, he’s shown who he is as a playmaker and shown us reasons why we should keep giving him the ball. I think a big part of going into this season is finding ways to continue getting Tuck the ball. Get him as many touches as we can in a game because he’s dynamic playmaker and does some really good things once he gets it in his hands. That’s going to be a focus, making sure we get him as many touches as possible each week.”
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Kraft averaged 10.1 yards per target but saw only 70 total targets over 17 games, or roughly four per game. The focus is obviously increasing that number in 2025.
Love said the Packers used Kraft primarily as a chip-flat receiver in 2024, but he believes the third-year tight end can be a bigger downfield weapon. Kraft even admitted he wants to get better at beating man coverage and making plays down the field, which could make him a more complete playmaker after he proved how dangerous he can be after the catch last season.
Hear more from Love below:
The Packers finish the offseason workout program this week. Training camp begins in late July.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Jordan Love talks rookie WR Matthew Golden, focus on TE Tucker Kraft in 2025