The Green Bay Packers had not drafted a wide receiver in the first round since 2002, when they selected Javon Walker. Now, 23 years later — and at pick No. 23 — the Packers have selected a wide receiver in the first round.
Green Bay Packers Select Texas Wide Receiver Matthew Golden
The Packers have selected University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden with the 23rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Green Bay has been searching for a true No. 1 receiver since Davante Adams departed following the 2021 season.
But even before Adams left, fans in Green Bay had long been asking for more help at wide receiver to support him and former quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Instead, the Packers selected Rodgers’ successor, Jordan Love, in 2020 and offensive tackle Jordan Morgan in 2024. They represent Green Bay’s only offensive first-round selections since 2011.
Golden immediately upgrades the Packers’ wide receiver room, giving them a potential top target. In his lone season in Austin, after transferring from Houston, Golden shined on offense, catching 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns from quarterback Quinn Ewers. He finishes his college career with 134 receptions, 1,975 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
Golden made a significant impact during Texas’ quarterfinal win over Arizona State in the College Football Playoff, catching the game-tying touchdown to force overtime in a 39-31 victory.
PSFN’s Ian Cummings, who accurately predicted Golden’s landing spot in his latest seven-round mock draft, wrote in the Texas WR’s scouting profile, “In an offense emulating the ‘many mouths to feed’ model that teams like Buffalo have championed, Golden’s presence as a dynamic movement-Z WR with separation chops, RAC ability, and vertical body control could be invaluable. My comp for Golden: T.Y. Hilton.”
Hilton, a 2012 draft steal for the Indianapolis Colts, complemented No. 1 pick Andrew Luck and became a go-to weapon. Golden, who enters the NFL with a similar build and play style, could follow a similar path in Green Bay.
If anyone should be especially excited (besides Packers fans), it’s Love. Entering Year 3 as the starter and Year 2 of his four-year, $220 million extension, Love now has a new target to throw to. Golden joins a group that includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and recent free agent pickup Mecole Hardman.
Competition is rising in Green Bay’s WR room, with contracts nearing their end for some. Now, the hope is that the Packers’ offense can take another step forward with the first first-round wide receiver in over two decades ready to bring a long-awaited boost to the passing game.