Matthew Golden – Receiver – 21 years old – Junior – Texas
Size: 1m80
Weight: 87 kilograms
Stats: 58 receptions, 987 yards, 9 touchdowns
Estimated position at the draft: end of first round – start of the second round
NFL comparison: Stefon Diggs
Matthew Golden was the feeling of the NFL combined 2025 and climbed the ladder of the different Mock Drafts. Behind the Duo Travis Hunter – Tetairoa McMillan, a third place of best recipient of the Draft is to go. Can Longhorn be the third thief of this draft?
Matthew Golden strong points
- Speed
- Feet
- Decisive
- Kick
Matthew Golden was the receiver who saw his coast exploded during the pre-Draft process. Indeed, during the combination, we were able to attend his great speed. He made a time of 4.29 seconds during the 40 Yards Dash. This time was the best of the whole event. Its speed variations on short or intermediate routes are also to be emphasized.
The Texas recipient also has a great feet that allows him to undermine the defenders. This allows him to make diabolical direction changes. His speed is not impacted by his cuts. This feet work is also very precise for receptions near the key line and its routes. The “double moves” traces like the Hitch-and-Go are very well executed.
The player from Houston is a man who loves big games. He is transcended in challenges. During the first round of Playoffs NCAA against Georgia, he captured 8 assists for 162 or during the Cotton Bowl where he received 7 assists for 149 yards and 1 touchdown. He likes to be in the spotlight.
Finally, he can contribute to a special team as a kicking turner. During the 2023 season with the cougars, he returned two kicks in touchdowns, including one of 100 yards.
Matthew Golden weak points
- Drops
- Lack of power
- Yards after reception
Matthew Golden has everything to please, but he has several faults that can be disabling at the next level.
First of all, it sometimes lacks concentration or application during meetings. Thus, if it is not involved or if it feels covered, its routes can lack conviction and it seems nonchalant on the ground. In addition, at the reception, it can cost certain receptions due to drops. All this is due to its lack of concentration.
The Texas recipient is very fast, but it lacks power. Faced with more physical cornering in NFL, he will have trouble separating from the press emitted by them. This power defect is also a problem on the ground game to block for its running back.
Given its athletic qualities, you might think that longhorn is a threat in yards after reception when not that much. It lacks dynamism after receipt to create a danger in defense.
Possible destinations
New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders
The franchises who are looking for speed in their receiver squad will necessarily look at the case of Matthew Golden. It is not only fast, Texan has a footwork and traces of rare precision.
It can be aligned anywhere in the field. As a slot or as an outdoor recipient, it can be efficient. With a little more application and involvement, Matthew Golden can become a number one receiver in NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOQS1ES7B6U
