The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to get more explosive on offense this offseason. What better way to do that than to add another explosive receiver to the mix.
While the quarterback is the biggest question mark for the Steelers, adding dynamic weapons will help whoever they have as their signal caller. With top prospects like Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden III expected to be off the board before the Steelers select, one player who is increasing his draft stock is former Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden.
After declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, the explosive wide receiver impressed at the NFL Combine with an eye-opening 40-time of 4.29 seconds.
4⃣.2⃣9⃣ for Matthew Golden 🔥@MatthewGolden_ x #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/9nVQWe81Pp
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) March 1, 2025
It didn’t come close to Xavier Worthy’s record-setting 4.21 a year ago, but that speed along with his other attributes on the field makes him a high target for a team selecting in the lower end of the first round like the Steelers.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: CBS Sports pairs Matthew Golden and the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21
In his first NFL Mock Draft, CBS writer Josh Edwards sees the former Texas star as a playmaker who can help spread the offense as the outside threat the Steelers are seeking.
Edwards writes:
“Pittsburgh has George Pickens in this moment and Pat Freiermuth working underneath in-line and out of the slot. By adding a talent like Matthew Golden, the Steelers would be able to spread it out a bit more. There would still be a question of who is going to play quarterback next season.”
Golden put up impressive number during his junior year at Texas. He broke out with 58 receptions for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns for a Texas team that feel short in the college football playoffs. As a above average route runner with burning speed, Golden’s most impressive attribute is his ability to hit top speed on vertical routes. His presence should help both Pickens and Freiermuth get more open looks underneath.
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Golden also brings special teams value with his ability as a kick returner. In what the Steelers will be looking for as far as playmakers on offense, Golden fits the mold and if they can get that buy in and commitment from Pickens, this is the perfect fit for the Steelers offensively.
In the most recent NFL Mocks full first round mock draft, John Blair has the Steelers going defense with the selection of East Carolina’s Shavon Revel. With his 6-foot-3 frame and speed, Revel is a cornerback who will add athleticism to the secondary, another need for the Steelers. Given the depth at cornerback in this draft, the value and need of an explosive player like Golden at No. 21 may be a greater value than selecting a corner at this position. NFL Mocks will lean towards Golden. But, if he’s not available, locking down a corner becomes the biggest need for this AFC North squad.