The Green Bay Packers finally drafted a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002. Despite many years of Aaron Rodgers wanting a wideout in the opening round, the Packers never made the move for him.
Jordan Love, on the other hand, will now have an elite new weapon to work with during the 2025 NFL season.
Matthew Golden, the speedy playmaker from the Texas Longhorns, was selected by Green Bay with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He appears likely to carve out an immediate role for himself with the Packers.
Following the team's decision to draft Golden, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst sent a clear message about him.
When asked if he thought Golden could carve out a role for himself as a rookie, Gutekunst dropped a two-word response.
"I do," he said.
In addition, the general manager opened up about what made Golden such an attractive pick for the Packers.
"Obviously he has elite speed. His ability to stretch the field outside the numbers is really, really important," Gutekunst said. "And when you watch him, we thought he arguably had some of the best hands in the draft."
Green Bay Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden.
© Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports gave Green Bay a "B" grade for taking Golden at No. 23 overall. He also provided instant analysis for the pick.
"Well, I'll be . . . they finally did it. After years of avoiding the receiver position in the first round, the Packers make up for lost time with a speedy pass-catcher in Golden who brings elite explosiveness and big-play ability to Green Bay," he wrote.
"Jordan Love's high-end arm strength will make the most of Golden's ability to challenge opposing defenses over the top, and his sharp route-running ability will create consistent separation to all levels of the field. There were some intriguing options elsewhere, but at long last, the Packers finally invest in their receiving corps with their top pick, and get a dynamic playmaker who should make a splash right away."
During the 2024 college football season with the Longhorns, Golden helped lead the team to the Cotton Bowl. He racked up 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 17.0 yards per reception.
