Matthew Golden is now a Packer. First off Let me put it out there…I was wrong. I was very vocal that the Packers just don’t take receivers in the first round.
What Does This Tell Us?
It now seems that was more of a Ron Wolf/Ted Thompson thing. It also seems that Gutey saw the receivers that they had been drafting and felt there was something missing from them, likely that 1st round receiver pedigree or upside. Another thing about Golden is his arm length fell short of what the Packers and even Gutey had targeted in the draft. So there might be a little more wiggle room in the arm length department then we thought.
Of course there was also a well known issue this year at the combine where the person doing the arm measurements was doing them wrong. We don’t have any arm measurements for Golden from his pro day, but his arms were likely longer than at the combine. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came in around 31″ or slightly longer (he was 30 5/8″ at the combine).
Something else we already knew, especially those like myself that track the Packers drafting history that Gutekunst verified at his post 1st round press conference is that 5’11 is their “Mendoza line” as far as height in outside receivers. Having a full athletic profile was also not a requirement for Gutey and it was thought by some that it was a requirement from them. Also with Golden being the Z there is a more than zero chance that Gutey drafts an X type receiver on day three. Think of someone like a Isaiah Neyor, Andrew Armstrong or Da’Quan Felton.
How Does Golden Fit In 2025?
Due to his size, length and skill set Golden slots in as a solid #2 receiver who will play the Z and the slot. You can move him around, put him in motion, etc… He played almost 35% in the slot in 2023 at Houston and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up playing in the slot around that percentage. The likely plan will be to platoon him and Reed at slot and Z with Reed obviously playing more slot and Golden more Z. This means Wicks and Doubs will take up most of the X snaps.
He has kick return experience with Houston where he averaged over 35 yards a return with two returned for touchdowns. It was just a small sample size though with him returning just nine kicks. He returned 15 in 2024 and averaged just 20 yards a return. So, I think he will end up as the back up kick returner/punt returner with Hardman being the primary guy. Golden also needs to improve as a blocker.
What Is Likely The Plan Going Forward?
What this moves says to me is the Packers are likely done with Christian Watson and his inability to stay healthy. The reasoning for this is Watson is a Z as well, despite him having X receiver size. He doesn’t play up to his size and his play in contested catch situations is inconsistent. Watson also hasn’t developed his route release package much since getting drafted. He is the type of player that needs a free release. Golden while obviously different in size also is a player that needs a free release.
Watson likely plays out the season and the Packers tell him “Thanks for everything you have done. Let us know what kind of offers you get out there and we can talk after that” Some other team will likely be willing to pay him more than Green Bay. This also says that Romeo Doubts MIGHT be on his way out. A lot will depend on how he plays this season, if he can stay healthy and if Dontayvion Wicks can get over his yips.
If Wicks can’t and Doubs stays healthy they might extend him. Of course if Wicks can correct course then Doubs is likely gone as well or back in a reduced/rotational role. They also likely draft another receiver high in 2026. Bo Melton is also likely not making this roster.
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