Breakout Texas playmaker would suffer from newest projected surprise that's surfaced before 2025 NFL Draft

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden had been rising to the top receiver in the class, but recent expert predictions about the 2025 NFL Draft could shake things up. After ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Jacksonville Jaguars are considering Tetairoa McMillan with the fifth overall pick, one of our top thoughts was how this would change everything for Golden.

Steve Sarkisian's top transfer portal addition of the 2024 offseason had been making his way into the top 15 of all mocks, but McMillan had also been going lower. McMillan was projected to go anywhere from 12th to the 20s. Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka was then pushed down.

The former Houston star quickly planted roots in Austin upon his arrival. Despite coming off a torn ACL, Golden proved to be the speedy, well-rounded talent on Texas' explosive offense. He caught a career-high 58 receptions for 987 yards, and nine touchdowns.

If McMillan does go in the top five, Golden's stock could go either way. Dallas remains a logical destination, and teams could get desperate to reach on him. But Golden would lose WR1 status and the Jaguars would no longer be an option for him.

Here's a snipped of our Matthew Golden scouting report for the 2025 NFL Draft.

A disciplined route runner who shows off a great combination of speed, attention to detail, footwork and coordination, Matthew Golden has the profile of a very good starter with a high floor and ceiling. 

He's fast enough to outrun most defenders but is tremendously dangerous on jump balls and when operating in limited space through contact. Golden can be trusted on contested catches, usually showing excellent balance, poise, and focus. He's an ideal No. 2 receiver.