Packers Get 'Best' Value With Draft Pick That Ended 23-Year Drought

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Scott Salomon | Last updated May 8, 2025 7:26 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers selected 23rd in the first round of last month's NFL Draft, but they got a tremendous value in former Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden.

According to The Athletic, Golden was one of the best value picks in the entire seven-round draft. The Athletic staff graded out the best value pick for each team.

Golden was the pick for the Packers. He was also the first wide receiver to be selected by the team in the first round in 23 years.

He appeared to be a goner at No. 12 when the Dallas Cowboys were on the clock, but they went with guard Tyler Booker from Alabama instead.

Packers reporter Matt Schneidman had nothing but glowing things to say about Golden, who was the second fastest player at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this past February.

"Golden seemed a popular pick to the Cowboys at No. 12 in pre-draft mocks, but he “fell” to the Packers at No. 23. The Packers had enticing offers to trade back, GM Brian Gutekunst said, but they felt strongly enough about Golden and stayed put," Schneidman said. "The Packers ranked No. 27 in the NFL with 29 drops last season, according to TruMedia, and Gutekunst said the Packers thought Golden had arguably the best hands in the draft."

Golden has the speed to blow past opposing cornerbacks and give quarterback Jordan Love another weapon in his arsenal.

"He ran a blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the combine, second-fastest in the draft behind Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston’s 4.28, but he explained his game is more than just speed as a route runner," Schneidman concluded.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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