The Green Bay Packers have long been known for their defensive-minded draft strategies, often prioritizing linemen or secondary players in the first round. However, in the 2025 NFL Draft, they broke a 23-year streak by selecting a wide receiver, Matthew Golden, in the first round. This bold move has already sparked excitement, particularly from Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who recently shared his enthusiasm for the rookie at a charity softball game on May 26, 2025. Love’s comments, reported by USA TODAY on X, signal the beginning of what could be a transformative partnership for the Packers’ offense.
Matthew Golden, a 5-foot-11, 191-pound speedster from Texas, arrived in Green Bay with an impressive college resume. After transferring from Houston, Golden became quarterback Quinn Ewers’ top target at Texas, racking up 58 receptions, 987 yards, and 9 touchdowns in his final season. His efforts helped the Longhorns secure a College Football Playoff appearance, showcasing his ability to perform on big stages. What stands out most, however, is his blazing speed—a 4.2-second 40-yard dash that Love specifically highlighted. “The speed speaks for itself,” Love told The Athletic. “I’m excited to see how fast he is on the field. I’ve seen all the highlights, all the good stuff, so we’ll see once we get practice rolling.”
Love’s initial impressions of Golden are glowing. “He’s a great dude,” the 26-year-old quarterback said, adding that Golden already “looks like a stud” and a “very polished receiver” during early offseason activities like routes on air. For a team that has often relied on a committee of receivers, Golden’s arrival could provide a dynamic, downfield threat—something the Packers have lacked since Christian Watson’s torn ACL in Week 18 of the 2024 season. Watson, the team’s primary deep threat, may miss the start of the 2025 season, leaving a void that Golden’s speed and draft pedigree position him to fill.
However, Golden faces stiff competition in Green Bay’s receiver room. Veterans Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontavyion Wicks are established options, while third-round pick Savion Williams also aims to carve out a role. Golden’s path to significant playing time hinges on his ability to build chemistry with Love, a challenge he’s already prioritizing. “Just gain his trust, man,” Golden said, per The Athletic. “That’s from me just being able to put my best foot forward every day. Just go out there and create that chemistry with him.” This mindset reflects Golden’s understanding of the NFL’s demands—talent alone won’t suffice; trust and consistency are key.
The Packers’ decision to draft Golden marks a shift in philosophy. As noted in a Wikipedia entry on the team’s draft history, the Packers hadn’t selected a first-round wide receiver since 2002. Their most recent first-round picks to make an impact were John Brockington and Willie Buchanon in 1971 and 1972, respectively, both of whom won NFL Rookie of the Year Awards. Golden now has the opportunity to follow in their footsteps, bringing a fresh dynamic to a franchise with a storied history. The team, founded in 1919 and a member of the NFL since 1921, has a legacy of success, playing at the iconic Lambeau Field in the NFC North.
For Golden, adapting to Green Bay’s tight-knit community is also part of the journey. “Starting to realize Green Bay not too big, so a lot of people gonna recognize me,” he shared via a tweet by Matt Schneidman of The Athletic on May 24, 2025. “But it’s a blessing just to be able to be around people that care about you.” His enthusiasm for the city and its fans bodes well for his integration into the Packers’ culture.
As the Packers kick off OTAs, with their first full-team practice open to the media on May 28, 2025, all eyes will be on Golden and Love. If the rookie can translate his college success and raw speed into on-field production, this partnership could redefine Green Bay’s offensive identity for years to come.
