After a scintillating 2024 campaign that saw Matthew Golden emerge as Texas' go-to receiver in big moments throughout the Longhorns' College Football Playoff semifinal run, he further cemented his case to be a first-round selection with his performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday.
In the only testing event that Golden participated in, he led all receivers with an official 4.29 40-yard dash. Combined with his production and tape, Golden is now squarely in the conversation among the top receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Is Texas WR Matthew Golden the best WR in this year’s NFL Draft? (via @MoveTheSticks)
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In his lone season at Texas in 2024, Golden registered 987 yards and nine touchdowns on 58 receptions. But the star was born, so to speak, when he showcased his clutch playmaking ability in the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
In the four-game postseason stretch that had Texas reaching the CFP semifinals before falling to eventual National Champion Ohio State, Golden recorded 19 catches for 411 yards and quite the memorable touchdown, a 28-yard reception on 4th and 13 to send the Texas-Arizona State quarterfinal game into a second overtime. Golden would later secure that game with a two-point conversion catch in the second overtime.
Which NFL teams are the best fit for Matthew Golden in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Golden has the look of an elite NFL slot receiver at 6' 0", 195 lbs, with home run speed. It stood out in watching Texas games how often Golden was open, but he also showed an ability to make contested catches. He checks all the boxes and is a virtual lock to be off the board in the first round. The question is, to which team? Here are the three best fits for Golden:
Las Vegas Raiders: It's no secret that they are heavily in the quarterback market. However, depending on how they address free agency, who is available at No. 6, and how they evaluate the soon-to-be rookie QBs, Golden could be a surprise fit either at No. 6 or via a trade back. Brock Bowers led the Raiders in receiving from the tight end position with 1,194 yards and five touchdowns on 112 catches. They need a true No. 1 wide receiver to take the pressure off Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, and Golden could be that guy.
San Francisco 49ers: Is Golden destined to play in the Bay Area? With Deebo Samuel on his way to Washington and Brandon Aiyuk potentially being shopped, it could be a complete refresh for the 49ers at the receiver position. Adding a playmaker like Golden to pair with Ricky Pearsall could do wonders for Brock Purdy, who San Francisco is looking to lock in as its franchise quarterback. At pick No. 11, the 49ers are in a position that they don't expect to be in most years, so they will need to take advantage of this draft positioning.
Los Angeles Rams: It would be the steal of the draft if Golden falls to the Rams at No. 26, but at least before the combine, Golden was considered a late first-rounder. If the Rams can secure Golden, he would instantly fill the void likely being left by Cooper Kupp and help newly re-signed quarterback Matthew Stafford attempt to make one final Super Bowl run to close his career.