2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas Wide Receiver Matthew Golden

• NAME: Matthew Golden
• COLLEGE: Texas
• HEIGHT: 5’11”
• WEIGHT: 191 lbs
• POSITION: WR
• GAMES WATCHED: UGA (SEC Championship), vs Michigan (2024), vs Texas (2023, when at Houston)

BACKGROUND: Matthew Golden was born in Houston and played his high school ball in the Houston area. Originally committed to TCU, he later switch his commitment to the University of Houston and played there for 2 years. He transferred to Texas to play his 2024 season, where he caught 58 passes for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns, to go along with 285 kick return yards. At the combine, Golden only ran the 40 yard dash, which resulted in a blazing 4.29 seconds.

STRENGTHS: Golden possesses lightning-quick acceleration, allowing him to separate from defensive backs with ease. He demonstrates strong ball-tracking skills and has agile footwork, enabling him to gather and make sharp cuts on his routes. Despite his impressive speed, Golden maintains excellent body control and understands when to slow down to create separation. His versatility allows him to line up across the field, with experience playing both in the slot and on the outside. In addition to his receiving skills, Golden is a proven playmaker on special teams, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns during the 2023 season with Houston. He also has a knack for delivering in clutch moments, highlighted by his overtime touchdown against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.

WEAKNESSES: Golden has a tendency of dropping the ball after losing focus. Route-running can use some work, as the main routes that he ran were screens and go’s. Golden is inconsistent on working back to the ball when the quarterback throws it. Even though he is a willing blocker, his size and hand placement on blocks doesn’t help him when he tries to block.

SUMMARY: Golden vastly improved his draft stock this past season, showing his acceleration and knack for making big time plays. His ability to line up in all spots and make plays helps his draft stock, as well as his skills in the return game. I believe that he is going to go in the 1st round, with some teams listed below fitting well:

• Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks are in rebuilding mode, especially after trading DK Metcalf and releasing Tyler Lockett. Golden could step in as a reliable weapon alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba, giving Seattle a young, talented receiving duo to build around.
• Houston Texans: Golden, a Houston native, would bolster a receiver room missing Tank Dell next season. Despite acquiring Christian Kirk in a trade, the Texans could still use additional playmakers to support C.J. Stroud and help bring the offense back to 2023 Houston.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: After trading for DK Metcalf and already having George Pickens on the outside, the Steelers need a versatile slot receiver. Golden fits that role perfectly and could also slide outside and contribute if Metcalf or Pickens were to miss time.
• Washington Commanders: The Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel, but they still need more playmakers to support Jayden Daniels. Golden could provide Kliff Kingsbury with another versatile weapon to incorporate into his game plan, and pairing a young quarterback with a young receiver often helps both develop together.