The Green Bay Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. It was the first time a wide receiver was selected in the first round by the Packers since 2002. That was receiver was none other than Texas Longhorns standout Matthew Golden.
Last season, it was apparent that Jordan Love could use more help. Brian Gutekunst drafted Golden and then doubled down at the position in the third round by taking Savion Williams.
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Golden, in particular, was projected in many mock drafts to go higher than Green Bay’s pick. Seeing him slide down to No. 23 overall was a big-time win for the Packers.
Following being picked up by Green Bay, Golden summed up his short slide with three words. He noted that they were 22 players taken before him and is clearly ready to prove those teams wrong for passing on him.
“22 of em,” he wrote on X.
During the 2024 college football season at Texas, Golden racked up 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per reception. He was the clear-cut No. 1 weapon for quarterback Quinn Ewers and helped lead the Longhorns to the Cotton Bowl.
Matthew Golden of Texas poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy.© Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season with the Packers, Golden will join a talented wide receiver room including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Christian Watson. Watson will miss some time due to a torn ACL to begin the year.
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In that room, Golden will have an opportunity to earn immediate playing time. Green Bay is hoping to see him become a lethal weapon for Love as a rookie.
Related: NFL Fans Shocked at Where Arch Manning Lands in Early 2026 Mock Draft