Texas WR Matthew Golden 2025 NFL Draft Profile

Matthew Golden, WR

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 195 pounds
Age: 21 years old (August 1st, 2003)

Texas

Houston

Pros

• Speed
  A legit 4.3-speed playmaker, Matthew Golden reaches top speed in a blur and catches defenders unable to recover on deeper passing routes. He's as much of a threat after the catch as well, accelerating effortlessly to top speed. His speed translates throughout his routes as well, as he changes speed and controls his burst effectively. He's one of the best in the class at knowing when to turn on the jets to generate separation. 
  
  
• Versatility
  Because Golden is such a good athlete, fast, and a nuanced route runner, he's a perfect fit for offenses willing to move him around and deploy him in various formations, alignments, and roles. He spent two years in an Air Raid attack at Houston where he was great after the catch. His Texas stint shows he's also terrific before the catch and at the catch point. Being able to sell routes, win at the catch point, and then find more yards after the catch shows he has a competitive advantage with his coordination and overall skill. 
  
  
• Athleticism
  This is a bit of a catch-all term for how well-rounded Golden is. He won 47% of contested catch situations in college, but his 2024 mark of 61% on 18 targets was more telling. His drop rate plummeted to 6.5% as more of a vertical threat as well. He became more reliable and explosive simultaneousl y as a vertical threat. There's a ton of value to that.

Cons

• Physicality
  Golden plays a more finesse game with a frame that is could use more muscle. His most effective season came as a vertical threat, though, and because that is a more valuable skill set, Golden's weaknesses might just be what comes with the territory of his play style. While he was good on contested catches, he forced only 26 missed tackles through three seasons, and QBs threw five interceptions on contested catch situations his way this past year. He can get outmuscled, doesn't break tackles, and can struggle against press because he doesn't have the mindset to really fight when he needs to.
  
  
• Run blocking
  The previous point plays into his run blocking a bit as well. Golden has little interest in engaging with defenders and even to fill a lane beyond the most basic definition. This provides a challenge for offenses wanting to move Golden into the slot with run checks, as his effort can ruin an outside run attempt. If that improves, Golden can at le ast hold his own and maximize his alignment potential. 

Player Evaluation

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.

Player Comp: Brandon Aiyuk

A to Z Rankings:

A to Z Big Board Ranking: #6 wide receiver, #51 overall

A to Z Draft Grade: 8.07

Draft projection: Top 40