2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas WR Matthew Golden

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Matthew Golden | WR | Texas

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 191 pounds
Draft Projection: Mid to Late 1st Round
Notable Accomplishments: 2023 Second Team All-Big 12; fastest 40 time amongst receivers at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine (4.29)

Pros: For a smaller receiver, Golden has surprising body control and a rare ability to make contested catches down the field. While still a young prospect, Golden has displayed nothing but maturity on and off the field, which can be evidenced by his growth from year to year. Despite coming into the season with only modest expectations lying on his shoulders, he became the WR1 for Quinn Ewers and provided more than a prototypical deep threat. His route tree did not diversify until he got to Texas, but based on what we saw throughout 2024, I consider him to be an above-average route runner with near-elite quickness in and out of breaks. He separates late in the route thanks to that quickness along with his second-gear burst. He is not just a one speed guy; in fact, he can accelerate quicker than any receiver in this class with the ball in his hands. Not only do his fluid hips contribute to his eye-popping change-of-direction skills, but they allow him to avoid defenders in the open field and create additional yardage after the catch.

Cons: More times than not, Golden is a solid hands catcher; however, he can get into trouble when he turns his head upfield too quickly. Patience is a virtue Golden still needs to learn, but that can be expected from a young receiver who played the 2024 season with a new role in an entirely new offensive system on a new team. When he draws double coverage, it almost feels as if Golden is satisfied with merely taking the attention of the defense, as he does not make a concerted effort to get open when multiple defenders are covering him. Hopefully that will change once he becomes more confident in his craft. I would also like to see Golden bring the ball closer toward his body after catching the pass, as there are several instances on tape where Golden was vulnerable enough to let the defender to knock the ball out of his hands. If he had brought the ball closer to his body and used his body to shield the defender, he would have been able to bring in the pass.

Overview: Before the combine, I saw Golden as receiver that was more quick than fast, but after his blistering 40 time, I have no choice but to move him up my board. The tape is quite impressive from this past season, and the speed exposed his upside. With no consensus number one receiver in this class, Golden is certainly in the running to be the first at his position off the board.

NFL Comparison: Brandin Cooks