What to Expect from Packers WR Matthew Golden in His Rookie Season

The Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. That was the first time the team added a wide receiver in round one since 2002. Traditionally, rookie wideouts have an adjustment period when they join the NFL. In recent seasons, more rookies have been having an impact right away. With all that in mind, here’s what to expect from Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden in his rookie season.

What to Expect from Packers WR Matthew Golden, Number One: His Role

Golden has enjoyed a strong training camp. He’s been making plays on a regular basis that forced coaches and members of the media to take notice of his ability. Golden has provided the Packers with consistent play throughout camp. He even caught a pretty long pass for a score in Thursday’s joint practice with the Seahawks.

That strong play, combined with the injuries suffered by the other potential starting receivers, makes it likely Golden will be one of the team’s starters when the season starts.

The likely lineup will be Golden and Romeo Doubs starting on the boundary and Jayden Reed starting in the slot. Knowing head coach Matt LaFleur, all of the top five receivers will likely see playing time and rotate in and out of the lineup, but Golden has the inside track right now to be the team’s number one receiver. Expect him to get the most targets among the team’s wide receivers this season.

Number Two: Building a Connection

Starting quarterback Jordan Love was quickly impressed by Golden in training camp. While admitting it will take a little time to learn the playbook, Love saw the potential in Golden.

“He’s shown up since Day 1 and just really showing his play style, showing what he’s all about,” Love said. “He came in really polished and has been making plays since Day 1. He’s got very aggressive hands, he’s a smooth route runner, he’s got speed.”

While Love has missed some time in camp due to a thumb injury on his non-throwing hand, he has developed chemistry with his first-round rookie.

“You can see when he knows what he’s doing and feeling confident, he’s been playing lights out,” Love said earlier this month. “He’s gonna be a stud.”

Love has never had a legitimate go-to receiver since taking over as quarterback in 2023. He appears to believe Golden can fill that void and give the team a much-needed difference maker at wide receiver. The Packers haven’t had one since Davante Adams was traded to the Raiders.

What to Expect from Packers WR Matthew Golden, Number Three: Outlook

The Packers record for catches by a rookie wideout was set in 2023 by Reed. The former Michigan State star caught 64 passes for 793 yards and eight touchdowns. He led the team in catches in each of his first two seasons despite playing in the slot and only being on the field for 56 percent of the team’s offensive snaps that year.

The previous record was set by future Hall of Famer Sterling Sharpe who caught 55 passes for 791 yards and one score in 1988. He accomplished that despite playing on a team that won just four games and had two young, inexperienced quarterbacks battling for the starting job in Randy Wright and Don Majkowski. Eventually, Majkowski won the starting job but that year, neither was considered to be an elite quarterback.

If he stays healthy, Golden has a good chance to pass Reed’s record. It will be likely the second half of the season will be more productive for Golden than the first half as he learns the playbook and becomes more comfortable. Also, look for LaFleur to try to scheme Golden open early in the season to give him confidence and get him involved in the offense.

Expect Golden to catch 72 passes for 1,050 yards and seven touchdowns this season if he plays all 17 games. The Packers may have just found their new go-to receiver for the next few years.