The Dallas Cowboys, holding the 12th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, might use it to enhance Dak Prescott’s offensive options. Texas receiver Matthew Golden has garnered recent attention and could be the first receiver selected.
Golden recently visited the Cowboys and was photographed with team owner Jerry Jones. While this doesn’t guarantee that Dallas will draft Golden, it allows the player to make an impression on Jones.
Matthew Golden Gets Photo With Jerry Jones on Visit to Cowboys
Dallas urgently needs a strong comeback season in 2025 after finishing 7-10 following Prescott’s injury in Week 9, which significantly hampered the offense in the latter half of the season. The team has already lost Brandin Cooks in free agency, making it crucial for CeeDee Lamb to have a reliable partner to regain their offensive prowess next season.
The Cowboys’ offense struggled with Cooper Rush filling in at quarterback. While Rush went 4-4 in his extended starting role, the offense lacked its usual dynamism without Prescott. Lamb’s production decreased to 1,194 yards and six touchdowns, and Jalen Tolbert was the next most productive receiver with 610 yards.
The unit ranked No. 23 in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys addressed the offense with their 12th pick. Golden could be an ideal complement to Lamb. The Texas native is considered a well-rounded receiver prospect, possessing excellent athleticism and a strong ability to execute fundamental aspects of the position, allowing him to contribute effectively to an offense.
Golden is not projected to be a primary receiving threat in the NFL, but he has the versatility to be a valuable WR2 or WR3. His consistently gaining separation through speed and agility makes him a dependable target. He also made several notable highlight-reel catches in his final games of 2024.
The receiver shared two photos from his Cowboys visit on his Instagram story, and Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. posted both images on X.
Texas WR Matthew Golden with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Golden opportunity for the Cowboys at 12 https://t.co/dwsMZSg8T8 pic.twitter.com/vJoUrVmWRT
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 10, 2025
Hill posted two screenshots of Golden’s Instagram story on X, commenting, “Texas WR Matthew Golden with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Golden opportunity for the Cowboys at 12.”
He followed up with another tweet: “Explosive Texas WR Matthew Golden has checked in from the Cowboys headquarters. He is on his official visit. A legitimate option at 12 to pair with CeeDee Lamb and give the Cowboys Red River duo ay WR. Ran 4.29 in 40 at combine.”
Golden’s first photo with Jones included the caption “Dat man.” The Texas native has been receiving significant attention in recent mock drafts and would not need to leave his home state if Dallas selects him at No. 12. He is projected to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 in PFSN’s latest mock, while the Cowboys are expected to choose Marshall EDGE Mike Green.
Golden began his college career at Houston before transferring to Texas for the 2024 season. In his single year as a Longhorn, he recorded 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns, contributing to the team’s appearance in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. While his college statistics may not be overwhelming, Golden possesses the raw talent to develop into a productive NFL receiver.