Matthew Golden shocked many fans and analysts when he ran the fastest time by a wide receiver at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. His 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash was the second-fastest time among all players in Indianapolis.
However, Golden didn’t run his second attempt and skipped the 40-yard dash at his Texas Pro Day, raising doubts about his speed. He decided to focus on position drills to showcase his crisp route-running and reliable hands. Among his doubters include Mike Renner of CBS Sports, who suggested his run was mistimed at the Combine.
Was Matthew Golden’s 40-Yard Dash Mistimed?
In a down year for wide receivers, Golden is a quality prospect for NFL teams to boost their passing attack. The 21-year-old receiver is expected to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after an explosive 40-yard dash.
However, CBS Sports’ Mike Renner raised concerns about his actual speed during an episode of “Establish The Run” podcast. He cited discrepancies over when the timers started the clock on his 4.29-second run.
“I don’t know if you have seen the videos of the 4.29 about when they started the clock. I think he got a favorable time but I don’t think he’s a 4.29 guy at all. Like, I think it was a missed time,” Renner said.
Hosts Adam Levitan and Evan Silva agreed with the Renner highlighting how 40-yard dash starts were measured manually instead of electronically.
“Yes, it’s a hand start and he didn’t run a second one,” Silva said, “which to me is like, you ran a 4.29 then doesn’t go again?
Renner added: “Also, he did not run at his Pro Day, right?”
To which Levitan replied: “Why would you after you ran a 4.29?”
I was recently introduced to the “4.29 truther conspiracy” surrounding Texas WR Matthew Golden. pic.twitter.com/TYQkrEn3uw
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) April 10, 2025
Golden’s performance — controversial or not — placed him as the second-fastest player at the NFL Combine behind only Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston. He ran the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.28 seconds. He even outpaced Texas teammate Isaiah Bond who many considered the fastest player in the class before the event.
Texas Standout WR Rising Up NFL Draft Boards
Golden never had a single 1,000-yard season in college, topping out at a career-best 987 yards on 58 catches at Texas in 2024. Still, he continues to rise up draft boards thanks largely to his blazing fast 40 time.
In PFSN’s latest three-round mock draft by Joe DeLeone, Golden (5’11”, 191 pounds) is projected to be picked 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers.
DeLeone wrote: “We can safely admit that the Quentin Johnston pick was a total dud. There’s still room for the Chargers to reconcile that mistake by drafting the speedy Golden, who can line up outside as another target for Justin Herbert.”
Golden is a coordinated, intelligent route-runner with impressive body control attacking the ball in the air. He doesn’t have an upper-echelon physical trait, but he’s a well-rounded target who should be a strong complementary starting receiver in the NFL.
DeLeone added, via his PFSN scouting report on Golden: “In the 2025 NFL Draft, Matthew Golden is the most well-rounded receiver prospect. He combines fantastic athleticism with the ability to do all of the little things at a high enough level to carve out a role within an offense. Matthew Golden likely will never emerge as a primary target in the NFL, but he’s balanced enough to be a fantastic WR2 or WR3 on a team.”