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NFL Columnist Puts Packers Receiver In the Spotlight Entering Year One

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Felipe Reis Aceti | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 9:00 AM ET

There is a growing sense of urgency within the Green Bay Packers to take the next step in pursuit of a Lombardi Trophy. They have reached the playoffs in five of Matt LaFleur’s six seasons as head coach, including back-to-back appearances with Jordan Love under center. Still, each run has ended short of the ultimate goal—and the pressure to turn postseason trips into something more meaningful is building.

Some players are naturally under more expectations than others, and that is normal. However, the pressure needs to be shared across the roster if the Packers are serious about making a deep run. They have proven they are a good team, but going 0-6 last season against the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Minnesota Vikings—three of the NFC’s top contenders—shows they could not leap from good to great just yet.

One player facing high expectations from the fanbase is Matthew Golden. He became Green Bay’s first first-round receiver pick since Javon Walker in 2002 and joins a receiving corps that ranked third in drops last year. While fans should temper their expectations, there is little doubt Golden should have the spotlight to contribute immediately, and one NFL columnist believes Golden should have the urgency to deliver results in Year 1.

On Wednesday, NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha named Matthew Golden as one of the rookies who most need to succeed in 2025.

"Golden became the first wide receiver drafted by the Packers in the first round since 2002, so you knew he was going to be high on this list," Chadilha wrote.

"There are a ton of expectations on this player, and deservedly so," he added. "Golden joins a squad that desperately needs him to become a reliable deep threat. Green Bay lost Christian Watson to a torn ACL in the regular-season finale, and even running back Josh Jacobs was openly talking about the need for the team to find a No. 1 receiver this offseason."

Chadiha also noted that Golden does not need to be the bona fide No. 1 receiver the Packers have been searching for since Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.

“Golden doesn’t have to be WR1. He just needs to be the game-breaker he was at Texas last year," he said. "Golden led the FBS with 23 receptions of 20 yards or more, and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds at the combine. Only one player -- Maxwell Hairston -- ran a faster time in that event this year. Golden also has the potential to play outside or in the slot, so he offers head coach Matt LaFleur the opportunity to become really creative in the passing attack. The Packers come into this season with a lot of weapons at the skill positions. Golden is the one best situated to make it easier for quarterback Jordan Love to shake off some of the criticism he received last season.”

Matthew Golden is very talented and could become Jordan Love’s go-to target soon. However, he will need to earn his opportunities, and what better way to kick off his career than by building chemistry and trust with his $55 million quarterback during training camp?

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

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