First Round Pick #23 - Matthew Golden WR - Texas

[Dantés]

I was very excited about this pick, but in light of Golden selecting #22 I am afraid that his career is over. I look forward to the next first round receiver in 2048 when the draft is hosted in Cape Town, SA.

 

[DoURant]

I was very excited about this pick, but in light of Golden selecting #22 I am afraid that his career is over. I look forward to the next first round receiver in 2048 when the draft is hosted in Cape Town, SA.

I don't understand why he would switch from 81 to 22, other than he was #2, so he is now double 2's. 20's on WR's is just an odd look.

 

[gopkrs]

I don't remember a great 22 on The Packers either. Mark Lee at DB was pretty good. I guess Elijah Pitts was the best 22. Don't really care what number. I wonder if he's calledMatt.Just hold on to the damn ball. No looking to run before you catch it. Then it's off to the races.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I don't understand why he would switch from 81 to 22, other than he was #2, so he is now double 2's. 20's on WR's is just an odd look.

Hmmmm, makes me wonder, does the NFL have rules about what numbers have to be used for specific positions? I don't recall ever seeing a 20-something number on a WR.

 

[DoURant]

Hmmmm, makes me wonder, does the NFL have rules about what numbers have to be used for specific positions? I don't recall ever seeing a 20-something number on a WR.

They used to, but now have lifted all restrictions, which is why so many players have single digits now... like Quay wearing #7 as a linebacker

 

[Heyjoe4]

They used to, but now have lifted all restrictions, which is why so many players have single digits now... like Quay wearing #7 as a linebacker

Thanks D. Seems like that would make the game more challenging for refs. Then again, there isn't much deviation. As you noted Walker, a LB wears #7.

 

[Dantés]

I don't understand why he would switch from 81 to 22, other than he was #2, so he is now double 2's. 20's on WR's is just an odd look.

I have my doubts that it’s permanent. Maybe he can talk Willis into giving him #2.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Depending on how long Malik Willis is with the Packers, I expect Golden will eventually be wearing the #2 jersey.

 

[milani]

No worries Milani. At least you're using last names or I'd be totally confused.

Back to your point, Watson is not a great route runner. I did notice some improvement last year. His biggest problem is his unreliability - from injuries to catching the ball, and to a lesser degree, route running. He always looks like he's right on the brink of fulfilling all of the promise he has, and then something happens. It's a shame - the guys has all the physical tools of a great WR.

In fairness it may just be a long run of bad luck. And I hope he returns early this year, given his injury.

And I agree with your point on how Golden can be used. Before Watson gets back, he can establish himself as the long threat every time he lines up. When Watson returns, they both pose that risk, so MLF and Love will have more options on pass plays.

And this is where pass protection assignments become crucial. I look at our offense facing a great defense like Philly as the true test. Can we pick up their blitz and free someone deep in one on one coverage? Can we get the ball to Jacobs when there is no time to go downfield? We have to raise the bar. We played Philly tough only losing by 12. But who almost beat the Eagles? Stafford and the Rams. They were on the doorstep of winning that one. That 3rd down blitz and sack by the Eagles may have been the key play to their championship season. We, like the Rams, have to be better to get to that level.

 

[gopkrs]

I think Watson and Golden could be awesome when they are on the field together if we have good protection for Love. Watson, the long legged speedster who can outrun defenders while crossing the field. And Golden, the fast and quick man who can break off a route or feint and then go. And the other options to other players as a result of those threats.

 

[OldSchool101]

And this is where pass protection assignments become crucial. I look at our offense facing a great defense like Philly as the true test. Can we pick up their blitz and free someone deep in one on one coverage? Can we get the ball to Jacobs when there is no time to go downfield? We have to raise the bar. We played Philly tough only losing by 12. But who almost beat the Eagles? Stafford and the Rams. They were on the doorstep of winning that one. That 3rd down blitz and sack by the Eagles may have been the key play to their championship season. We, like the Rams, have to be better to get to that level.

Exactly! and better we did. IMO The Packers might quietly become one of the more improved Offenses this Offseason. Factor the personnel resources balance sheet from 2024 to the 2025 season.

WR, Matthew Golden (23rd Overall)
OT Anthony Belton (54th Overall)
WR, Savion Williams (87th Overall)
OT, Jordan Morgan (25th Overall)
RB, Marshawn Lloyd (87th Overall)
WR, Mecole Hardman (56th overall)
OG, Aaron Banks (48th Overall)
*Plus you could additionally argue
TE, Luke Musgrave (42nd Overall) who played 1 contest before Jordan Love went down. Musgrave injured in the opening of game 5 and never fully recovered.

To be fair on the balance sheet, We lost definitively

Josh Meyers (62nd overall)
*WR, Christian Watson (34th overall)
*lost 2024 but with a chance of a late season return.

 

[OldSchool101]

I think Golden will be every bit as productive as Watson was his Rookie season. Golden coming out of the SEC is more battle tested than Watson was from the the FCS.
Matthew Golden possesses a key characteristic that is unteachable. Golden is in a minority of players across the league that elevate their game above the conditions. Several scouting reports mentioned he’s better under pressure. I think that a really big deal that gets overlooked. Matthew Golden or Mason Crosby or Tom Brady that elevate their game under pressure are huge.

 

[PikeBadger]

Just feel that he is a talented athlete but we had other areas of concern that could have been a priority. We are heavy on wide outs although at least one is hurt every week.

Totally disagree. Our WR's sucked last year. We need better play from this position this year.

 

[OldSchool101]

Totally disagree. Our WR's sucked last year. We need better play from this position this year.

I really was disappointed from our overall gameplan the last couple of weeks. I really thought we would just pummel Chicago for 2-3 quarters and then pull our starters in the 4th quarter. Chicago will celebrate that victory for decades. Yet our leading Passer was Malik Willis, our leading Rusher was Emmanuel Wilson and our leading WR was Malik Heath. I think that kinda sums it up. We played our B team.

The Eagles O gameplan could’ve been better. Also our Teams blunder was nearly = to Bostick. Trying to get fancy in their house on play 1 rather than benefit from the new rule and start from the 30 yard line.

I’m also hoping the upgrades allow Matt to open his playbook a little more. I noticed our level of innovation down the stretch was about 3.5 on a 5.0 average 1-10 scale. Almost teetering on Preseason feel. We had very little spark it was bland and I’m not talking Chicago because we operated without our starting QB, starting RB, starting WR. Probably Chicagos biggest Win ever, not realizing it was our B team leading every phase. Malik, Emanuel, Malik

 

[Heyjoe4]

And this is where pass protection assignments become crucial. I look at our offense facing a great defense like Philly as the true test. Can we pick up their blitz and free someone deep in one on one coverage? Can we get the ball to Jacobs when there is no time to go downfield? We have to raise the bar. We played Philly tough only losing by 12. But who almost beat the Eagles? Stafford and the Rams. They were on the doorstep of winning that one. That 3rd down blitz and sack by the Eagles may have been the key play to their championship season. We, like the Rams, have to be better to get to that level.

"We have to raise the bar."

Well said and a good, concise summary of where this team stands. Considering the draft capital and the $$$ invested in this team, a one and done playoff scenario doesn't work.

The draft didn't provide any consolation to me re: the DL and Edge groups. Seems almost certain that Gluten is happy with the current D roster, and saw offense as the weaker unit.

It seems certain though that by the time the season ends, the WR group will be settled. With so much talent I believe the group will play a lot better than last year, although that's not a huge ask.

Someone here mentioned that the Packers had a top 5 defense last year. That surprised me. I don't recall the source or post, to was a while ago. Anyone have something a little more substantial than this?

 

[OldSchool101]

Someone here mentioned that the Packers had a top 5 defense last year. That surprised me. I don't recall the source or post, to was a while ago. Anyone have something a little more substantial than this?

Hey Joe
The Packers Defense finished the regular season 6th in Points and 5th in Yards. Jeff Hafley posted our best D ranking in both categories since 2010

 

[DoURant]

Hey Joe
The Packers Defense finished the regular season 6th in Points and 5th in Yards. Jeff Hafley posted our best D ranking in both categories since 2010

I can't wait to see how they perform in Hafley's system in year two.

 

[milani]

Hey Joe
The Packers Defense finished the regular season 6th in Points and 5th in Yards. Jeff Hafley posted our best D ranking in both categories since 2010

If we had had that kind of defense in even a few of those years in between 2010 and 2024 methinks we got to at least one SB and maybe even win 1.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Hey Joe
The Packers Defense finished the regular season 6th in Points and 5th in Yards. Jeff Hafley posted our best D ranking in both categories since 2010

Thanks OS. Well those are some fine numbers, especially for Hafley's first year. Maybe Gluten wasn't smoking weed when he said he was satisfied with his defensive line and edge guys, pre-draft.

I think one guy from the draft who will do well at Edge is Bryan Sorrell from TX, and not just because he hung around the green room. Ok, maybe that does have some impact. Solid measurables, and then just his enthusiasm. I just have a feeling he'll do very well in GB. And he can hang out with his teammate from TX, Golden.

 

[Heyjoe4]

If we had had that kind of defense in even a few of those years in between 2010 and 2024 methinks we got to at least one SB and maybe even win 1.

It really does take a great D to get to and win a SB. There aren't many exceptions. And the 2024-2025 numbers are with a clearly weak CB group (and some exceptional play from S, esp McKinney and Williams).

So Gluten taking offensive players with the first three picks isn't that mysterious. Yes, there are some DTs and edge guys who need to up their game, and they'll have at least some added competition, the best way to get someone to improve.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

It really does take a great D to get to and win a SB.

Agree.

I think a lot of teams took note of the Eagles defense and drafted to try and recreate their strength up front. Yes, it was a strong DT class, so a good draft year to do it, but man the amount of them in the first 4-5 rounds seemed higher than normal.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Golden's ceiling is Greg Jennings (which is really good btw) but those expecting him to be some kind of elite burner in the NFL based on him running in his underwear are going to be very disappointed. They record the speeds of players in college and Golden, on the field where it matters, was slower than McMillan and Burden III to name a couple of guys. In his rookie season I kind of expect him to be a reliever for Reed so that neither one gets worn down as the year progresses.

 

[gopkrs]

What I expect Golden to be able to do is stop on a dime and accelerate to top speed quickly. With good hands that will get him a bunch of catches. Short, mid distance and long. I don't expect him to be a traditional #1 W/O. And I couldn't care less about that. He will get open and he'll take defenders with him. So he will have to take some hits. They all do.

 

[DoURant]

What I expect Golden to be able to do is stop on a dime and accelerate to top speed quickly. With good hands that will get him a bunch of catches. Short, mid distance and long. I don't expect him to be a traditional #1 W/O. And I couldn't care less about that. He will get open and he'll take defenders with him. So he will have to take some hits. They all do.

Packers Total Access Podcast had a Chalk Talk episode last night breaking Golden down. 3 things that stood out.

1. Golden creates separation
2. He plucks the ball with his hands, doesn't body catch
3. Quinn Ewers is not a good QB, and Golden has very few accuratepasses thrown his way. Tons of underthrown, and off target passes.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Golden's ceiling is Greg Jennings (which is really good btw) but those expecting him to be some kind of elite burner in the NFL based on him running in his underwear are going to be very disappointed. They record the speeds of players in college and Golden, on the field where it matters, was slower than McMillan and Burden III to name a couple of guys. In his rookie season I kind of expect him to be a reliever for Reed so that neither one gets worn down as the year progresses.

I'm glad someone brought this up again, because it is something that I have always wondered. I have never understood why players aren't put through most of the combine tests with full football equipment on. While I realize that Scouts are strictly looking at athletic traits at the combine, without equipment, there is no doubt in my mind that the results wouldn't be the same with equipment on. More importantly, I also think that they might find that some participants perform their tasks better in equipment than others.

In researching this, I also discovered and not surprisingly, that the NFL requires combine participants to wear paid sponsored outfits. Participants are also required to wear specific apparel during media interviews, ensuring a visible brand logo.

I'm sure in the final analysis of prospects, GM's and scouts do look at what a player does during a game, with full equipment on. As well as taking into consideration the field, it's condition and the impacts of weather on said player.