Packers 2025 NFL Draft: Day 1 Analysis
Analyzing the Packers first-round pick.
"With the 23rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 13 time world champion Green Bay Packers for the first time since 2002, draft a wide receiver..." Mark Murphy announced in front of an energized crowd outside of Lambeau Field. "Matthew Golden, wide receiver." The crowd erupts in a wave of cheers, losing their minds in what was a sea of green and yellow.
We have every right to be this excited. The Packers got an absolute steal and drafted the second best projected wide receiver in the draft. Golden, the third player at his position to be selected, walked out on stage with a shiny gold suit acknowledging and hyping up the cheesehead faithful embracing his new home.
Golden was projected to be drafted in the teens range and fell to the Packers. Whether the plan was to draft a wide receiver or not, it was too good of a draft pick for GM Brian Gutekunst to pass up.
Hearing Golden's name announced by Packer's CEO Murphy, who is working his last draft before retirement, sent shockwaves of cheers and celebration as the Pack seemingly struck gold with their pick. Green Bay gets a weapon for QB Jordan Love that is ready to produce and impact the team now adding significant depth to the wide receiver room.
Measurables:
5'11 191 lbs. 40-yard dash time 4.29. 10-yard split 1.49 seconds. NFL Next Gen Stats gives him an 82 rating.
College Stats:
- 2022 (Houston): Played in 11 games with 8 starts with 38 catches, 584 yards averaging 15.4 YPC, 7 receiving TDs.
- 2023 (Houston): Tied for the team lead with 6 receiving TDs on 38 catches for 404 yards averaging 10.6 YPC.
- 2024 (Texas): Led the team with 987 receiving yards on 58 catches averaging 17 YPC and 9 touchdowns.
What the Experts Think:
"Extremely impressive route tree, especially for a receiver with one year in a pro-style offense. And not only did Golden run every route imaginable (and some great combos), but he also would change his pace and tempo to help set up defensive backs when he kicked into a higher gear. His diverse routes and varied speed will be exciting for playcallers to go to the lab with. Playing at Texas helped give him more exposure to routes." -Dave Richard CBS Sports
"His quick trigger that allows him to get open in a hurry combined with his strong, reliable hands will make him an absolute go-to-guy on third and manageable. Eighty-two of his 116 career catches have resulted in a first down or touchdown" - Ourlads.
"Golden works all three levels of the field with similar consistency and productivity. His route-running needs refinement, but he does a decent job of altering tempo and separating at break points. Golden has the ability to play all three receiver spots. He also has the agility and body control to turn near-misses into highlight catches. Focus drops still pepper his play, but he’s a willing participant in traffic and took command of contested catches with better physicality and catch strength in 2024. Golden’s starting-level traits and big leap forward as a go-to playmaker have him primed to become a productive catch-maker with the potential to develop into a WR1 in the future."-Lance Zierlein NFL.com
Players who were Still Available:
There was a lot of speculation that the Packers would draft a cornerback, and there were two solid players still available with Will Johnson from Michigan and Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky. Packers could have gone the linebacker route with Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. After drafting an offensive lineman in last year's first-round, Green Bay did not repeat recent history leaving two on the board between OT Josh Simmons from Ohio State and OG Donovan Johnson from Ohio State, who was drafted by division rival Minnesota Vikings at pick 24.
Why they drafted Matthew Golden:
Packers come out as arguably the biggest winner from the first-round with this selection. When the lights were at their brightest in the college football playoff, Golden shinned on the big stage and made consistently clutch catches.
In the SEC Champion against Georgia, Golden finished with 8 receptions for 162 yards. He is only 21 years old and out of 39 wide receivers who ran the 40-yard dash at the combine, he clocked in the fastest time at 4.29.
Watching film and YouTube highlights does not do his speed justice. His ability to create space and burst off the line showcases his pure athleticism as an offensive deep threat. He is reliable with catching slants or quick throws down the sideline with his ability to get open and has natural instincts when adjusting to contested passes.
Brian Gutekunst had this to say about drafting Golden: "Obviously he has elite speed. His ability to stretch the field outside the numbers is really, really important. And when you watch him, we thought he arguably had some of the best hands in the draft." Welcome to Green Bay, the Golden one!
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Mitchell Adams is a passionate lifelong Packer fan bringing a unique West Coast perspective, and also produces multiple podcast platforms, is a published author, and a proud Packers shareholder. Follow him on X at @mitchadams209.
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Comments (91)
Savage57
April 25, 2025 at 06:46 am
The prophecy has been fulfilled.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 07:03 pm
So it is written, and so it shall be done. From the moment we had 0 points at halftime in the playoffs, until just a few days ago....about 3 months.....I wanted to improve the offense, and that didn't mean adding a late Day 2 WR. Improve. Not just replace Watson, improve.
And when THE board got to #23, the best player that we could have taken at that point to improve the offense would have been Matthew Golden. The top DTs had already been drafted, thus removing temptation, and Gutekunst did the right thing. Good for Gute. That's why he makes the big bucks.
The offense still needs another guy. Hoping for Savion Williams.
TKWorldWide
April 25, 2025 at 06:52 am
Learn the offense and contribute ASAP! Welcome to Green Bay! Opportunity awaits!
GregC
April 25, 2025 at 07:00 am
I like the pick. He's on the small side for Packer receivers, but Greg Jennings was about the same size, and he did okay.
Golden did not run up big yardage totals in his two years at Houston, although he scored plenty of TDs. He had a slow start at Texas but then really kicked it into gear toward the end of the season. His arrow is pointing up in a big way!
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 08:36 am
Jennings was the same height but slightly thicker. However Jennings played in a very different O where the Z had far less responsibilities beyond merely catching the ball. LaFleur is going to have to change his O design fairly significantly if Golden is his Z or use Golden in Reed’s spot if Doubs is out there. Similarly if Golden is at X, which is a spot incredibly few players his size have ever thrived at and which LaFleur uses as often to block as to go deep. Golden profiles quite well for Jennings role in the offense then played which was a 4 receiver base. Moving in that direction with Kraft seems unlikely and questionably wise.
murf7777
April 25, 2025 at 09:33 am
CW….I think your starting to see more smaller WR’s playing the X position…To name a few TY Hilton, A Brown and HIll….Basically, you need to stretch vertically….check, make contested catches (he’s at 61%)….check…beat press coverage….I noted one who says he’s very good at it, BUT I couldn’t find any real good film showing whether he can or cannot……TBD.
Steve Smith states he’s the best WR in the draft and can play all 3 positions…my guess he probably knows a bit more than us.
GregC
April 25, 2025 at 05:24 pm
Yes, LaFleur will have to make some adjustments to fit him in. That's why I didn't think there was much chance of the Packers picking Golden--at least not until it was their turn and the top four DTs were all gone. At that point, I thought he was the best pick. Coaches need to find ways to work talented players into their game plans. LaFleur should be able to do that.
murf7777
April 25, 2025 at 07:04 am
I was disappointed as each big guy was picked. I really wanted the big DL guy. That said, there are many out there for day 2 picks.
After watching Golden’s game film and a couple of interviews I understand that Gutey drafted this young man for his character and very high potential. We’ve heard this one before, Gutey loves high end potential. This young man has a chip on his shoulder and I’m confident we have a man who is going to give 100% to the Packers and the game. He had a lot of adversity early in his life to get thru and has a dog mentality as he stated.
I don’t see him coming right out of the gate fast, Similar to last year at Texas, his first year there, it took him awhile to learn the offense. I think he has a floor of a good long term player with a chance to become a pro bowler at the position in year 3 or 4. But, then WTH do I know!
Lastly, you can’t teach speed….let’s stretch the field in GB!
greengold
April 25, 2025 at 07:38 am
Great take murf. You know your shit quite well, my friend.
This one truly is a game changer for GB. Golden has that “exotic class” quality in his route running, precision, speed, ability to adjust. Perfect add for the Packers.
murf7777
April 25, 2025 at 08:16 am
Thanks GG…always enjoy reading your takes as well.
HawkPacker
April 25, 2025 at 11:36 am
Great hear from you GG and I agree with your take.
Now just look how much better he will make our other receivers and imagine what we will look like when we get the other speedster back late in the season.
dobber
April 25, 2025 at 10:38 am
"I don’t see him coming right out of the gate fast"
I think Golden needs to play meaningful snaps right away, and they need to establish him as a downfield threat early in the season. If that means running a limited set of routes and adjustments for him to master, so be it. If not Golden, SOMEONE needs to fill that role or the offense will struggle as defenses clamp down on the short and middle zones and stifle the run game.
Major Snafu
April 25, 2025 at 11:52 am
Gutey once said "he values draft prospects who can play more then one position more then anything else". He drafts based on that and also to pre fill holes that he knows will exists: watson, alexander.
Think like that and his drafting makes sense. At least to him it does
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 07:13 pm
You had me at 'dog mentality'.
We need him to contribute to the rotation right away. He's a #1 pick and you have to put in the rotation along with Reed, Doubs, and Wicks. That'll mean about 35-40 snaps every game.
That's snaps, not targets, and it's going to include blocking. If he plays all 17 games....no, let's say if he plays 15 games...and gets targeted 5 times each game, he'll easily replace Watson's production in terms of yards and TDs.
He doesn't have to be the main dog right away...we have Reed and Doubs and Kraft to do that....but he does have to help pull the sled. Line up and hit somebody.
pantz_bURp
April 25, 2025 at 07:08 am
Safe to say, this young man has a golden opportunity. His dreams are within reach...
Welcome to the Green Bay Packers.
Your team owner,
P. Burp
*Young man, you may find me curt at times, but I am fair and will always be honest with you.
Cheezehead72
April 25, 2025 at 07:14 am
I expected that the Packers might trade down or draft a CB after the top 4 DTs were taken. Maybe they tried to trade down but did not get any good offers. I am surprised by this pick but I believe he might have been the BAP at a position of need.
Like us all I hope he succeeds.
Major Snafu
April 25, 2025 at 08:11 am
A position of need because Gutt picked a raft of crappy receivers. The Vikes have four receivers who are way better then any one of ours.
I keep hearing, oh wow we need that Watson to get healthy. Ya he sucked when he was healthy. Total waste to me.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 25, 2025 at 10:24 am
Watson has more scores than any wide receiver taken in his draft year. Not crappy.
dobber
April 25, 2025 at 10:35 am
Don't feed the purple troll.
croatpackfan
April 26, 2025 at 01:06 pm
Yeah, much better receivers are at Vikings... You lost Wild card game scoring 9 points vs Rams... And only TD Vikings scored was TD to TE, not to that "much better WRs" on Vikings team...
Packers lost their WC game vs SB Champions and scored 10 points. Also, Eagles scored less points (20) vs Packers than Rams (22) vs Vikings...
I really want to know what are you talking about!
Packers 302 Total yards, Vikings 269 total yards! Where were those superb WRs of Vikings in that game? And, btw, Packers demolished Rams during the season...
T7Steve
April 25, 2025 at 07:20 am
I'm old enough, I'm sorry to say, that 2002 doesn't seem that long ago. I think I was considered old in 2002 too.
I'm excited and can't wait to see what this will do for the offense. It will really be something when/if Watson gets back on the field.
greengold
April 25, 2025 at 07:23 am
Matthew Golden? He’s definitely able to take the top off a D, which we need… and that may be a smart play without having to move up to take him. He fits a WR1 profile this Packers team is searching for. Without a doubt.
Arguably the safest R1WR fitting that true WR1 profile that the Packers needed to fill. That’s important with both WR and DE being the highest bust rate positions in any draft’s first round.
I love this pick. He’s got all the goods.
Guam
April 25, 2025 at 07:48 am
I thought the Packers two biggest needs were DT and WR. All the top DTs were off the board when the Packers picked, so WR it is. Golden gives them a Watson replacement in terms of speed and deep threat which their offense needs. Hopefully he proves to be better than the Packer's last #1 WR choice (Javon Walker).
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 09:31 am
Golden gives us a Doubs/Reed replacement who can play some deep threat X, if we shift blocking responsibilities away from the Z.
Guam
April 25, 2025 at 10:24 am
He certainly doesn't have the size or blocking pedigree of Watson, but he is a field stretcher that the Packers don't get from any of their other WRs. LaFleur might have to do some retooling of blocking assignments this season but that can be managed.
Longer term I think the Packers keep Watson (assuming he returns intact from his ACL) and release Doubs without a second contract, replacing him with Golden. Watson, Reed and Golden could present a formidable trio of WRs for the future.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 10:56 am
That would be the best logical chance for this pick to make us better. That would mean we still need a size/speed X this year though. My fear is that Gute thinks Golden obviates that.
Guam
April 25, 2025 at 01:03 pm
We will see what the rest of the draft brings, but I won't be surprised if the Packers don't get another X. Gute may hope that Golden can be a good enough pseudo X for the regular season until Watson returns. The Packers are likely good enough to get to the playoffs with Golden as a pseudo X (particularly with a third place schedule) and then get a true X in Watson back for a playoff run.
dblbogey
April 25, 2025 at 04:42 pm
I also was hoping one of the stud DL's would be there, but when they were gone, this was the obvious pick. Before, our WR room was 1. Watson, who at very best will return in December and be a contributor come playoff time, or just as likely will give us nothing this year and may never be the same player again. 2. Doubs, who is 1 concussion or "personal "problem" away from being finished. 3. Jayden Reed, an obvious talent who disappeared in the 2nd half of the season. 4. Wicks - talented guy who drops the ball a lot.
A really good receiver was a top need, and here's hoping he stays healthy and helps win us some games.
Spock
April 25, 2025 at 07:34 am
Finally all the "mocks" are over, and we can actually look at a player who was actually drafted by the Packers. Yay! Now I can go read the pre-draft stuff on him. The picture above shows him as the "Golden 1" lol.
Guam
April 25, 2025 at 07:51 am
Yeah, I get mock fatigue too. Happy to have the draft actually happen so we can get back to reality.
Cheezehead72
April 25, 2025 at 08:20 am
I bet you can find mocks for next year
mnbadger
April 25, 2025 at 08:33 am
Somebody get him a jersey with a large #1 on it!
Though that sounds too much like "17 interceptions in a year" T- Buck.
Great pick, now let's get some big uglies!
GPG
Boneman
April 25, 2025 at 07:52 am
Shades of Justin Jefferson! Never expected him to fall. Perfect first round pick!
Rick5952
April 25, 2025 at 08:01 am
The draft in GB helped the Golden one out.
Major Snafu
April 25, 2025 at 08:08 am
This just proves to me once again, Gutt's drafts are not about who we need but way more about, how can I draft someone who we can use in two positions and who is going to costs us next year contract wise that we can let go and replace now.
Gutt knows who writes his checks and this is a lo ball dont have da money team so if he saves the big bucks they are happy.
As I posted before, Gutt once said he covets people who can play more then one position and thats how he evaluates his draft picks. Golden can run kick offs back too.
If the pack take a corner next pick that says to me Jairre is gone and probably Watson too. Both injury prone losers to me.
Cheezehead72
April 25, 2025 at 08:23 am
Why do you feel a guy that is injury prone is a loser. It is usually not the players fault for getting injured.
Alexander is a very good if not great CB when healthy. Watson is a good receiver that has never reach potential due to injuries.
Georgie Porgie
April 25, 2025 at 03:27 pm
You can realize that injuries are a function of luck, and nothing more, right? So let's call them unlucky losers how about...
NFLfan
April 25, 2025 at 08:09 am
He seems like a more confident, sturdier version of Christian Watson. I get Alpha vibes.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 08:25 am
He’s about as different from Watson as one can get. Except he’s fast and has two legs.
NFLfan
April 25, 2025 at 08:14 am
It took GB awhile to announce their pick-I wonder if they made a last minute decision and went with the best on the board?
Cheezehead72
April 25, 2025 at 08:25 am
It was probably due to seeing if they could get a trade. I truly believed they wanted to trade down.
Now it could have been for dramatic affect being as the draft was in GB
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 08:26 am
According to the Packers they had offers.
stockholder
April 25, 2025 at 10:30 am
The trade down - For what, a CB?
We're not rebuilding.
The best 4 DTs went in rd 1.
Golden dropped.
Wr was the No Brainer. The Need.
And it's what GMs are Taking.
When they have an expensive QB.
10 mil for MVS and Lazard?
Golden can replace anyone!
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2025 at 10:36 am
Obviously not attractive enough to dissuade Gutey from selecting one of the top WRs prospects in the draft...very non Gutey-like.
It seems that "urgency" theme is being put into action. LaFleur better be planning to embrace that word too. He has as much pressure on him as Gutey does with the upcoming season in general and the new Golden Boy specifically.
I can only imagine the comments today had the Packers allowed the Ugly Purple to draft him at #24, or the lions at #28, or the Eagles at #30.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 11:00 am
I’d have been fine, taken the extra picks, taken Royals or Harris in the next round. The Eagles likely got the man they wanted and feel like big winners. The Lions and Vikings have their weapons already. I doubt either would have picked him.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2025 at 02:06 pm
We will never know and I am pleased to know it will never happen.
LLCHESTY
April 25, 2025 at 11:27 am
I would have taken the Giants offer on a heartbeat. Maybe squeezed a 6th out of them for moving up two more spots. 34, 99 this year and what most likely will be a high 3rd next year? Yes please.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 07:24 pm
The Wisdom of the Giants is evident in their record. It's reassuring you agree with them.
TheKanataThrilla
April 25, 2025 at 08:28 am
The hazards of doing so many mock drafts is that players you think will be there are often not. It was quite shocking to see all the DT talent taken before our pick (even though I shouldn't have been). Guys we thought we could trade back for (Kenneth Grant) gone way before our pick. No doubt, I'll forget this next year and spend many more hours of my life designing the perfect draft.
I do have to say Golden certainly looks like he has moxie. He soaked up the moment and the love of the Lambeau faithful. You just have to love that type of speed .
It will be interesting to see what positions we address today, but given how round 1 went it is difficult to predict the positions as the value has to be there.
Go Pack Go!!!
Cheezehead72
April 25, 2025 at 09:04 am
I am going with CB and DT for today. Benjamin Morrison and Trey Amos at CB and Darius Alexander at DT. The intriguing thing about Alexander is that he might be able to line up on the end too.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 09:22 am
23. Matthew Golden. WR Texas
65. Jayden Higgins. WR Iowa State
87. Ashton Gillotte. EDGE Louisville
105. Deone Walker. DT Kentucky
126. Logan Brown OT Kansas
159. Zah Frazier. CB UTSA
198. Elijah Ponder EDGE Cal Poly
224. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. DT Georgia
237. Robbie Ouzts. TE Alabama.
Double down, get us an X with readiness, upside and vertical ability and some size to pair with Golden. Then a potential difference making and different option at Edge before a run DT with upside as a penetrator in Walker.
Follow that by adding A swing T, a zone coverage perimeter capable corner and a true blocking TE who can replace WR blocking as a lead and be a 6th OL. Pick him to lock him up as the best at that role rather than compete in UDFA.
Mix in two high upside DL: Ponder is a raw edge with huge upside to develop behind Gillotte, Ingram-Dawkins is the same as a penetrating DT behind Wyatt who could also move outside on run downs now.
This would help Golden fit better by bolstering size at WR and blocking options at TE and still provide upgrades on the OL and CB depth this year and some significant developmental upside and flexibility while Walker replaces Slaton and has the potential to be more.
Alberta_Packer
April 25, 2025 at 10:30 am
Like the double-down. So if Higgins not available at 65 - then Jack Bech ?
Also at 198 and 224 - I might feed the other positions with (198) Kurtis Rourke QB and (237) - Branson Taylor/Dalton Cooper/Esa Pole (OTs) or Jacob Bayer (C) or Shaun Dolac (LB).
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 11:02 am
Bech isn’t a sizable X, so if not Higgins I’d not have gone WR. I would have taken Thomas at CB as the best other player available, at position of need.
I just did one and took some trade backs giving me picks (probably more than I should expect) but it illustrates how I would have gone if I couldn’t have got Higgins in the second round.
23. Matthew Golden WR Texas
54. Azareye'h Thomas. CB Florida State
97. Tyler Baron EDGE Miami (FL)
130. Dont'e Thornton. WR Tennessee
139. Joshua Farmer. DT Florida State
159. Ajani Cornelius. OT Oregon
196. Luke Kandra. OG Cincinnati
198. Cam Jackson DT Florida
228. Elijah Williams. EDGE Morgan State
237. Jalin Conyers. TE Texas Tech
Alberta_Packer
April 25, 2025 at 11:36 am
While Bech is not that tall (6'1") - he is 215 lbs. and built like a small LB. He seems to be known for his size and strength at the catch point.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 12:35 pm
I like Bech. Had things gone differently I’d agree, but I want some height and a vertical threat combined who can block. Higgins or Thornton types now. Probably “sizable” was just lazy description on my part. I’m looking for a big, physical target with deep speed.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2025 at 02:52 pm
He would be wise to try to secure another selection in Round Two. The talent is going fast, just like 2020.
#23 Matthew Golden WR Tex
#56 Josh Farmer DT FSU
#87 Terrence Ferguson TE Oregon
#124 Drew Kendall OC B.C.
#132 Tommi Hill CB Cornhuskers
#159 Carson Bruener LB Washington
#198 Dalton Cooper OT OK State
#222 Xavier Restrepo WR Miami
TheKanataThrilla
April 25, 2025 at 09:32 am
Wondering if Gute would like a true NT and consider Alfred Collins with the round 2 pick. I think we need a replacement for Kenny in 2026 and Collins looks like he has the size and experience against top college programs that we seem to look for.
Cheezehead72
April 25, 2025 at 10:17 am
You might be onto something
HawkPacker
April 25, 2025 at 11:53 am
I agree to the position for sure and don't know much about Collins if he is the one or if someone else fits our needs. I think Gute will pursue this position because of the need to replace Kenny next year and the NT that we lost this post season.
crayzpackfan
April 25, 2025 at 08:34 am
Hopefully he doesn't turn out to be "fools gold." Even though I didn't want a WR with our first pick, the way everything was falling, I don't know what else they should have done. I know the Eagles got better yesterday. It was a fun round one. Let's hope that MG is the goose that keeps laying Golden eggs. Gute at least didn't reach here. He got the correct value for how Golden was evaluated.
HawkPacker
April 25, 2025 at 11:54 am
I half expected Gute to take the top rated available CB instead of Golden but I am more than happy that we got Golden as it appears he should have gone sooner, like in the teens.
crayzpackfan
April 25, 2025 at 12:45 pm
I can't lie. Going into this draft from several weeks ago until right before they made the pick, Golden wasn't even anywhere in my brain as a Packer pick. I thought we were either gonna trade down or reach for a CB since all the DT's went early. I also toyed with the idea that maybe edge was in play. Golden? Never once crossed my mind. Gute got me again!! LOL
dobber
April 25, 2025 at 12:58 pm
Yeah, I was waiting for the name to be Amos or Hairston or Williams...maybe even Simmons.
Like crayzpackfan, was not really expecting Golden...enough so that I was somewhat stunned by the pick. Liking the pick more and more all the time.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2025 at 02:03 pm
This was no reach, that is for certain. He's a boom/bust guy and I believe, especially after the Packers visited with the 21 year old, they felt he was far more boom and is has great breakout potential. Now he needs demanding coaching and it seems he loves to work on the game he loves to play.
NFL.com had him as being a "solid starter within 2 years", just a tenth of a rating point below the boom bust grade of 6.5.
Most draft experts had him in the top 2-3 WRs. What was identified as a consistent strength besides his crazy speed and quickness (probably the best WR feet since Adams!), was his hands and willingness to fight like a wildcat to get the ball.
murf7777
April 25, 2025 at 09:13 am
Steve Smith, who was a great WR in his day states he’s the best WR in the draft. He goes on to say he can play all 3 positions on the field. His body control is very impressive. He also feels he didn’t have more deep throws(bombs) to him at Texas was because Evers didn’t have the big arm and likes to throw it quicker. Looks like Gutey found some good value in the first round.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 09:36 am
Smith likes to stand up for the little guys. With Hill, he’s one of the very, very exclusive club that succeeded in the NFL while playing more on the perimeter as an X than in the slot, so it’s perhaps not surprising he’s partial. If Golden can emulate those two as a X, then he will prove a great pick and have beaten intimidating odds.
4thand10
April 25, 2025 at 09:54 am
Steve Smith was a dog. Watching his podcasts….he isn’t ever too far off about his assessments.
MooPack
April 25, 2025 at 09:36 am
Watching the thousands of Packers fans shouting Go Pack GO!
Beautiful.
Mark Murphy calling the selection of a WR Matthew Golden, the Golden 1, after a 23-year hiatus at pick 23.
Extraordinary!
Clay Matthews giving the fans an impromptu message "The Bears still suck"!
Priceless!!
Alberta_Packer
April 25, 2025 at 10:02 am
I was curious about the trade offers that Gutekunst was receiving at 23. Both the Falcons and Giants trades included 2026 picks. My guess is that Gutekunst only wanted 2025 draft capital in return for 23. Perhaps Philadelphia had made such an offer. But Gutekunst was asking a premium price for the pick - especially from the Eagles.
harleycops
April 25, 2025 at 10:11 am
Finally, a grade "A" WR in the first round. But there are 7 more scheduled picks to go. If Thursday was the explosion, what we want to see are more explosions in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th.....etc rounds. We're not done. We have the chance to draft some dogs, some ballers, some defenders to patch up the holes we always seem to have. Remember we lost 2x to the Eagles. We lost 5 out of 6 games IN THE DIVISION. It's time to end that crap right here, right now! The Pack blew the night away with an A pick. Let's keep picking explosions on Friday/Saturday so our final draft grade for the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay is a 4.0!
dobber
April 25, 2025 at 10:49 am
For those who want a guy in round 1 with a direct path to snaps, they got what they wanted last night. There aren't many positions the Packers could've drafted last night where they would be slotting that guy at the top of the depth chart: WR is about it. I think we all pictured that guy as a DK Metcalf like stud--tall, strong, with world-class speed. They got the speed part, and in this draft, there aren't many proven volume WR who fit that bill.
splitpea1
April 25, 2025 at 11:05 am
Given the way the board fell, Golden was one of the best available options to fill a big need: speed, good hands, and some sizzle. Gute did a good job letting the draft come to him without engaging in any costly maneuvering. He did say in his press conference that he thought Golden could contribute immediately, both as a receiver and punt returner--but I would hope someone else can handle the returning chores.
On a somewhat related note, I don't think anyone needed to hear the sourpuss comments from some of Christian Watson's family members. Screw them: nothing against Watson himself, but it's just another small reason to part with him when his contract expires.
HawkPacker
April 25, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I disagree with the part of us parting with Watson. I think we need him for his speed and height. Also, Doubs is probably close to retirement based on how many times has has been concussed. Also, other than Jayden Reed, the other WR's in 2024-25 were mediocre at best.
splitpea1
April 25, 2025 at 12:24 pm
There will be other receivers available with speed, height, or both. I recall Donald Driver was of similar size to Golden and things worked out for him quite well.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 12:38 pm
When he was drafted and a high jumper yes. By the time he succeeded he was built far beyond that.
murf7777
April 25, 2025 at 12:50 pm
Watson is a very valuable WR for us...I disagree, when healthy he's a game changer.
splitpea1
April 25, 2025 at 01:24 pm
Yes, "when healthy". So do you want to dole out a large sum of money for a new contract with that qualifier in mind, or do you want to find a cheaper replacement who hopefully can stay healthy the vast majority of the time? I'll take the latter. Experience tells you that oft-injured players are going to keep getting injured.
LLCHESTY
April 25, 2025 at 11:20 am
Weren't the lights at their brightest in the Championship game vs Ohio State and their NFL DBs? 🤔 He did do well in the SEC championship vs Georgia IIRC.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 11:30 am
Because you don't watch the games, you're probably unaware that Golden left the game early with an ankle injury. He returned and played on it, but it affected him. Then he hurt it again.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2025 at 11:43 am
Playing BIG in BIG games is a demographic Gutey highly values. The new Golden Boy checked that box...circled it...underlined it...earned exclamation points.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 02:16 pm
When you listen to Gutekunst, he just likes the way that Golden is "wired" and thinks he'll fit in great.
He was the best speed demon available. The quickest/fastest WR in the draft. We all know that it's really helpful to have a WR who can open things up for other receivers by pulling the safeties back, and this was the best guy for that.
I keep getting happier today over this selection. I really wanted the offense helped, didn't think we'd spend #23 on a WR, and thought we'd get a big guy on defense. Then the big guys kept getting taken, then Egbuka got taken, then Harmon got taken, and I was like WTF? And I consoled myself knowing that Tyliek Williams was still available. And then we took Golden, who I had never seriously considered.
This is going to go a long way towards filling the Watson hole. 555 snaps, 660 yards, 33 touches. He opened up things for others AND he was a formidable blocker, which Golden is probably not going to be. That's a big hole, but Golden should be able to fill a big part of it. He should be able to keep the safeties back. If he can give us 40 good snaps/game at WR as a rookie , and two touches a game, he has replaced Watson's production.
Truthfully, he should get more than 2 touches a game. Let's conservatively say he gets 5 targets per game and catches 3 of them for 15 yards on average. That's 45 yards a game, multiplied by 17 games...about 750 yards on the season, more than Watson.
I totally think that with the board the way it was at #23, this was the best possible move than could have been made to improve the offense. I thank the Packers for making this choice, and not drafting Rich Campbell or Tony Mandarich. Use the first pick to get the guy who can help your offense the most. Yesterday, it was Golden. For the first time in a while, I'm actually optimistic the offense can be better than last year.
I'd still use today to add another weapon to the offense.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2025 at 11:28 am
Lance Zierlein nailed Golden's drop: "It's Jordan Love's lucky day, as one of the best receivers in the draft falls right into the Packers' lap at No. 23."
"Golden works all three levels of the field with similar consistency and productivity. His route-running needs refinement, but he does a decent job of altering tempo and separating at break points. Golden has the ability to play all three receiver spots."
LaFleur has an exciting chess piece so I hope he is already drawing up plays. Golden can return kicks too so Hardman's time as a Packer may be brief.
His meager production until late last season concerned me a bit. Yet he is only 21 years old and a Junior. What would his senior year have produced at Texas? If it is sage advice to part with a fading player a year too soon than a year late...it's also wise to take an early chance on a potential star in the making.
This is certainly not a reach pick...it may turn out to be a huge steal. NFL.com had him scored 6.42..."Should be a good starter in 2 years". That is just next to a 6.5 score "Potential Boom or Bust".
Kid has a great personality and seems to be a high character guy. He was a High School phenom with over 3400 receiving yards and 35 TDs! His slow start in college may foreshadow requiring some acclimation to the pros too. But he's not a tease. He has speed and quickness you can't coach while having a skill set you can.
It seems he is very passionate about football and is very coachable. Ryan Mahaffey...get to work!
Major Snafu
April 25, 2025 at 11:56 am
My concern, unlike Jordy who had size and speed, this guy only has speed. I can see speedy safeties who are also tall being able to cover this guy. Its hard to throw over tall safeties and drop it in for short receivers. Some QB's cn do it others can not.
I would bet that Gutt takes a corner with the next pick unless a decent pass rusher is still on the board.
If Gutt is moving on from Zairre, then it has to be a decent corner first to replace him.
dobber
April 25, 2025 at 12:53 pm
If he draws regular safety help, he's opening things up for someone else or in the run game.
Really, ya purple troll, quit trotting out your tired BS.
Ferrari-Driver
April 25, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Matthew Golden. 40 yard dash 4.29 and that is blazing fast. I've heard it said that you can't teach size and you can't teach speed. I'm convinced that you can't teach speed after trying to learn speed when I was a youngster. Either that is true or I am a true "slow learner".
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 12:39 pm
You can burnish speed if the traits are there, you can’t coach those traits though.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 02:25 pm
If I made a list of the ten fastest WRs I ever saw, and the ten best WRs I ever saw, there wouldn't be much, if any overlap.
But I'd have trouble making a list of 10 good slow WRs.
I looked Golden up at the nfldraftbuzz site,and he's faster (40 time) and quicker than just about anybody on the planet. If he's not successful, it won't be because he's not moving fast enough.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2025 at 04:52 pm
Very true. His Packer coaching will tell the tale as long as Golden keeps working hard. It seems he likes to work.
GregC
April 25, 2025 at 05:07 pm
His fast 40 time surprised most people because they say he doesn't look that fast when he plays. So I don't think his speed is his big selling point. It's more about him running routes really well and having good hands. Also the fact that he played so well in clutch situations at the end of the season. It sure doesn't hurt to know he can hit that extra gear when he needs to though.
Coldworld
April 25, 2025 at 05:40 pm
Gute seemed to think that it was the speed that set him apart from the competition and took him to a different level, though he then also referenced his hands (he is a natural catcher).
Leatherhead
April 25, 2025 at 06:52 pm
He doesn't look like he's running THAT fast. But he is. Very smooth, gets into high gear quickly, more quickly than a taller guy like Watson.. When he gets in stride, you aren't going to catch this guy.
Of course, he lined up across from Isaiah Bond , who is really fast and LOOKS really fast. And Lambeau Field isn't exactly a fast track. And he won't play in the preseason. So it'll take us a while to find out how fast he is.
He can cover 40 yards faster than you can take the snap in the shotgun and step into a 40 yard fastball. You don't need to put air under it, you can just throw strikes, if you've got an arm that can throw 40 yard strikes. Which I think Love does