Texas wideout Matthew Golden (WO16) speaks during a press conference at Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

Texas WR Matthew Golden should be a first-rounder after NFL Combine showing

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 6:09 PM ET

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden made the most of his time at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

The former Longhorns wideout was one of the standout receivers on Saturday, anchored by his strong run in the 40-yard dash.

Per Combine IQ, Golden ran a 4.29s 40, reaching a top speed of 23.57 mph. It was the second-fastest time in the 40-yard dash by a wideout weighing at least 190 pounds since 2003.

Matthew Golden 4.30 unofficial 40. Whew

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— Billy (@billym91.bsky.social) March 1, 2025 at 2:49 PM

On Bluesky, NFL insider Ian Rapoport wrote that the junior wide receiver "has made some money today," while sharing a highlight package that aired during NFL Network's combine coverage.

Matthew Golden has made some money today.

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— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet1.bsky.social) March 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM

"Everything he does ... is real crisp," said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah in the clip, which displayed Golden's route-running, ball skills and ability to adjust.

He displayed all three on the following play in the SEC championship game against Georgia.

Golden moved in motion pre-snap, faked as though he was running a comeback route to gain separation in the secondary and made a beautiful adjustment to complete the catch while falling along the sideline.

The route by Matthew Golden on his highlight reel catch versus Georgia. Also, check out the window Quinn Ewers has to hit for this play. #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2025 #2025NFLDraft

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— Sam Teets (@samteets33.bsky.social) December 9, 2024 at 8:25 AM

Per Tankathon, Golden is the No. 29 overall prospect in the 2025 class and was projected to be selected by the Jets in the second round (No. 42).

In Jeremiah's 2.0 mock draft, he had Golden going to the Bills at No. 30 overall while listing him as his 22nd-best prospect.

After his combine performance, Golden would be a steal if he were available to Buffalo that late in the first round.

Last season, Golden had 58 receptions, 987 yards (17 yards per reception) and an SEC-high nine touchdown receptions.

The Chargers, Texans and Rams are teams picking in the 20s who need a wide receiver and could be a perfect fit for Golden.

Each already has at least one outstanding young wide receiver, and Golden could be an excellent No. 2.

The Chargers drafted wide receiver Ladd McConkey last season, and he had 82 receptions, 1,149 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. Texans wideout Nico Collins had his second consecutive 1,000-yard season despite missing five games. Meanwhile, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua averaged 90 receiving yards per game, up from his average in 2023 (87.4 yards per game) when he reached the Pro Bowl and finished second in Associated Press Rookie of the Year voting.

Golden should be a realistic option for any of those teams in the first round. By the time they pick again on Day 2, he probably won't be available.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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