2025 NFL Scouting Report: Matthew Golden

Prospect Summary:

Golden started out his collegiate career at Houston and had some decent production in 2022 (38-584-7) and 2023 (38-404-6). After getting poached by Texas, Golden had an excellent season and exploded onto the scene with the Longhorns. While Isaiah Bond was expected to be their top weapon, Golden was the more productive and dangerous. Golden caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. Golden helped his draft grade with an electric 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine with a time of 4.29 seconds.

For the NFL, Golden is a big play receiver who is very fast and is a threat to score on any play. Golden has easy speed with explosion off the line and instant acceleration to run past defensive backs. Golden has a second gear to run away from defenders and makes it very hard for defensive backs to recover once he gets behind them. Along with his speed, Golden has adequate height and a nice catch radius for a speed receiver. Golden has excellent ball adjust and body control to twist himself to get in position to make receptions. Golden also will make some phenomenal one-handed catches. Golden does not have elite hands, but he shows the ability to make some spectacular plays.

Golden has some areas to improve, and limitations for the NFL. He will always be a No. 2 receiver to pair with a No. 1. Golden is not a high-volume receiver that will be a true No.1. His route-running could stand to get crisper. He is straight-line after the catch, and he will drop some routine passes at times.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Golden could be a late first-round or early second-round pick.