The Green Bay Packers struck gold when they selected Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round of April’s NFL Draft. So far, Golden has done nothing but impress in Green Bay — and his early performance has been so strong that Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes he could even force a trade decision.
“The Packers picked the fastest receiver in the draft, Matthew Golden, and early returns from Green Bay say the rookie’s overall athleticism has already shown up,” Breer wrote. “It’ll be interesting to see whether a veteran receiver shakes free in a trade based on Golden’s development.”
Golden is also making an impression off the field, especially with the fans, and he’s embracing the community in Green Bay.
“Starting to realize Green Bay not too big, so a lot of people gonna recognize me. But it’s a blessing just to be able to be around people that care about you … for me it’s just being able to show my face and show that I love being here,” Golden said.
Golden also wants the rest of the NFL to know exactly what the Packers’ mindset is this season: bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown.
With all this buzz surrounding him, Golden may have the perfect opportunity to break a long-standing trend in Green Bay — one where first-round draft picks rarely start immediately.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“The Green Bay Packers are no strangers to playing the long game with their first-round picks. General manager Brian Gutekunst has built a reputation for drafting developmental talent—guys with high ceilings who need time to adjust and grow into their roles,” Dairyland Express’ Brian Sampson wrote. “But that trend might finally break in 2025. Still, Golden might already be the best of the bunch. Don’t be surprised if he’s running with the starters when camp opens on July 23. He’s that explosive. It would be easy for head coach Matt LaFleur to plug Golden into the starting lineup right away. Slide Reed into the slot, keep Doubs outside, and suddenly the Packers have a dangerous trio of receivers with real playmaking juice.”
Golden appears primed to break Brian Gutekunst’s typical development model — and make an immediate impact. If camp continues trending the way it has, we could soon see Jordan Love with a brand new favorite target in Green Bay.
