GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 07: Matthew Golden #0 of the Green Bay Packers looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions during the game at Lambeau Field on September 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers have been making some sizeable changes to their wide receiver room over the last two years. But none may have been more significant than drafting Matthew Golden.

Golden’s selection in the 2025 NFL Draft was significant in that he was drafted in the first round. The move rang large for the Packers since he was the first wide receiver taken in the first round by the franchise since Javon Walker in 2002.

The Packers must have thought pretty highly of the former Texas Longhorns wideout to make such a move, drafting him No. 23 overall. The question now is — are they regretting their decision?

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Matthew Golden Gets Harsh Year 1 Draft Label

Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame recently listed the eight biggest draft misses from the 2025 draft, and Golden ranked fifth on his list.

There was definitely nothing too noteworthy to mention from Golden’s rookie campaign. He appeared in 14 games with 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns. His lone score of the season came in the Packers’ Wild Card loss against the Chicago Bears.

“For years, the Packers have employed a horde of receivers, but none have been capable of taking over a game, including Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and others,” Verderame said. “When general manager Brian Gutekunst selected Golden with the No. 23 pick in last year’s draft, Golden was thought to be the missing piece in that room.

“However, Golden struggled to establish himself. The rookie caught only 29 passes for 361 yards without a touchdown. Now, with Doubs leaving in free agency for the Patriots, Golden should have ample opportunity to showcase his worth by moving up the depth chart.”

It’s not only Doubs who left the building. Green Bay also sent Dontayvion Wicks packing, trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Golden now has all the more reason to become the centerpiece of the receiver room.

Packers Still Believe In Matthew Golden Breakout

Golden’s performance in the Packers’ playoff loss was perhaps the breakout game for the young star, even if it was frustrating to see.

“That performance was equal parts encouraging for the future and vexing that there weren’t more like it during the season,” ESPN’s Rob Demovsky said.

Golden finished the game with four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear that he wants to see Golden build on that moment, seizing what should be more opportunities this upcoming season.

“With all the opportunities we gave him, I thought he did an excellent job,” Gutekunst said after the season. “I would have loved to have seen him get more opportunities through the year. It didn’t work out that way. But when he did, he performed, and he performed at a high level. I’m really excited to see where he goes in Year 2.

“I think his ceiling is very, very high. We’re very, very excited about what he’s going to do for our football team moving forward.”

It’s still too early to panic about Golden’s NFL potential. So calling him a bust seems a bit drastic. However, if he doesn’t pan out, he would seemingly fall in line with some recent Packers first-rounders who didn’t live up to their potential.