The NFL is in a golden age for wide receivers. Just last season, 24 different players cleared the 1,000-yard receiving mark — a list that didn’t even include legit game-changers like Tyreek Hill, Puka Nacua, and DJ Moore.
Still, the position remains in constant demand, and the 2025 NFL Draft is no different. Many teams are looking to add depth or find their next superstar. In this class, one name is starting to separate from the pack: Texas Longhorns standout Matthew Golden, who’s drawn a striking comparison from one draft analyst.
Matthew Golden = Garrett Wilson 2.0?
Garrett Wilson entered the league as a top recruit out of Ohio State. After proving himself as a first-year starter, Wilson kept leveling up, finishing with 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021 for the Buckeyes.
He was selected 10th overall by the New York Jets and has been a model of consistency ever since. With over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons — and playing every game — he’s lived up to the hype.
Now, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller believes the NFL is about to get the next version of Wilson in Matthew Golden. “Garrett Wilson surprised me when he ran as fast as he did coming out of Ohio State — Matthew Golden surprised me with the 4.29 at the Combine.”
.@nfldraftscout player comparison for Texas WR Matthew Golden is New York Jet star WR Garrett Wilson 🔥
"They have that route running ability and the hands to be true No. 1 receivers at the next level." pic.twitter.com/FfrBAWi5nJ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 3, 2025
Miller said Golden’s speed made him deadly in the open field, but that’s not his only weapon. “I think he’s fast, but I didn’t think he was that fast. But the time is the time. And he does show up on tape with his chunk plays. He had 23 catches of over 20 yards or more last year — that was best in FBS.”
Golden’s production jumped this past season, finishing with 987 yards and nine touchdowns on just 58 receptions. The chunk plays Miller mentioned boosted his average to 17 yards per catch.
“You see that somewhat with the scheme in Texas and the way they ran him open,” Miller added. “But like Garrett Wilson, I think he has that ability to be crafty as a route runner, define his space, and then explode through with the ball in his hands after the fact.”
At the end of the day, the comparison comes down to traits. “They’re not the biggest receivers — they’re around 5’11”, 190 pounds. But they have that route-running ability and the hands to be true No. 1 receivers at the next level.”
The latest mock draft from Brentley Weissman of PFSN has Golden going No. 12 overall to the Dallas Cowboys. Outside of dual-threat WR/CB Travis Hunter, he’s the top wide receiver off the board. Weissman kept the reasoning simple.
“Matthew Golden is an exciting receiver prospect with few weaknesses. He is smooth and sudden as a route runner and excellent with the ball in his hands. He would be a perfect fit next to Lamb.”