The Green Bay Packers’ receiver room is about to get interesting. While Jayden Reed holds down one starting spot, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are both playing on expiring contracts with injury histories. That’s where two rookies step in: first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams, both drafted in April. The question isn’t whether these young players will get opportunities, but which one will seize the biggest role. One analyst thinks he already knows the answer.
Why Does Matthew Golden Have the Inside Track at WR1?
Green Bay has depth at receiver but lacks a true number-one option since trading away Davante Adams. Reed leads the veteran group and has the best shot at that role, but he hasn’t separated himself from Doubs, Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks through his first two seasons in the league.
That’s where Golden comes in. PFSN’s Jacob Infante believes the rookie will use training camp to establish himself as the top target for Jordan Love.
“With a combined 1,650 receiving yards through his first two seasons, Jayden Reed is currently the Green Bay Packers’ top wide receiver,” Infante wrote. “After dominating the College Football Playoff and running a 4.29 40-yard dash at the Combine, Matthew Golden also has a ton of momentum. The first-round rookie could use training camp to solidify himself as WR1.”
The connection between Golden and Love is already showing promise. After the 2025 NFL Draft, Love couldn’t hide his excitement about his new weapon.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s a great dude,” Love stated. “I’m excited to see just his potential on the football field. Just the start we’ve had… he looks like a stud, looks like a very polished receiver. So, I’m excited to see just how far he can take it.”
What Did Golden Show in College That Has Everyone Excited?
Golden’s college resume speaks for itself. Playing for Houston and Texas, he led the SEC with nine receiving touchdowns during his final season. His 17 yards per catch average was a career high for the 21-year-old, showing he can stretch the field at the highest level of college football.
Even if Golden doesn’t immediately claim the WR1 spot, he’ll have a clear role as Love’s top deep threat, especially with Watson dealing with an injury.
Matthew Golden’s Advanced Analytics:
âž–HIGHER Y/Rec than Tetairoa McMillan (17.0)
âž–HIGHER CTC % than Emeka Egbuka (61.1%)
âž–LOWER Drop Rate than Tre Harris (6.5%)Golden had 7 Formal Meetings including the Bills, Packers, Bengals, Cardinals, Steelers, Rams, and the Cowboys.. pic.twitter.com/3PobsbUkEk
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) April 3, 2025
The front office and head coach Matt LaFleur clearly saw something special in Golden. Breaking from over 20 years of tradition, they used a first-round pick on the speedster. With Love already praising his new target, the potential for this duo to transform Green Bay’s offense looks limitless.
