Can the Packers 22-Year-Old Wide Receiver Find His Place in 2026?
The Green Bay Packers went 23 years in a row without selecting a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft. In 2002, wide receiver Javon Walker was selected by the team, but he was unable to find his rhythm, lasting just four seasons before he left for the Denver Broncos. Green Bay was historically known for disregarding the position group in the draft, despite having quarterbacks like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers who could use young first-round talent. When the Packers switched to starting quarterback Jordan Love in 2023, fans hoped this would no longer be the case as the team would need to build around their new superstar. Fortunately for the fanbase, the team finally made a change in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Matthew Golden Brings Speed and Big-Play Potential
Wide receiver Matthew Golden was selected with the 23rd overall pick, a celebrated pick by the organization that needed new targets for Love to have at his disposal. The former Texas Longhorn had a terrific final season in college, catching for 987 yards and a conference-leading nine touchdowns. His explosive speed and ability to get open in space caught the eye of the Packers, putting him together with Love in hopes that the two can build a connection for years to come. In 2025, Golden, throughout 14 games, caught for 361 yards and no touchdowns, a disappointing rookie season that didn’t quite meet expectations. The young receiver dealt with some nagging injuries throughout the year, which limited the impact he was able to have during the season. On the brighter side of his first season in the NFL, he was able to catch for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ lone playoff game against the Chicago Bears. The performance was enough to excite fans for what Golden could be, which means 2026 will need to be the season where he begins to find his place on the team.
A Bigger Opportunity Awaits in Green Bay
During the offseason, the Packers cut ties with wide receiver Romeo Doubs, leaving a spot open in the roster for Golden to move up. Now, Green Bay’s former first-round speedster will head into 2026 as a part of the top three available receivers on the team and have the chance to take off in his sophomore season. The speedster has already put last season behind him, believing that he wouldn’t change anything, as it taught him how strong a player you need to be in the NFL. The Packers’ emerging second-year speed threat connection with Green Bay’s franchise quarterback began to blossom in OTAs earlier this month, where the two will continue to develop together as they head towards training camp in July. Green Bay’s high-ceiling breakout candidate will have the full opportunity to not only grow from last season but also find his spot in Green Bay for years to come, as they want to return to form in 2026.
