Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst offers praise for Matthew Golden first round pick
The Green Bay Packers broke a 23-year drought without a first-round wide receiver Thursday night, selecting Texas standout Matthew Golden with the No. 23 overall pick in the NFL draft.
Golden, 21, arrives in Green Bay after a breakout junior campaign with the Longhorns, where he tallied 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. Known for his game-breaking speed, Golden posted a 4.29-second 40-yard dash and averaged 20 yards per catch in nine games last season.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Golden's athleticism and mentality made him a perfect fit for the team's culture.
'He's a very gifted athlete, gifted football player, but he's also wired exactly how we want our guys in the locker room,' Gutekunst said.
Standing 5-foot-11, Golden is 'just above the Mendoza line' for size at outside receiver, according to Gutekunst. But the Packers are confident in his ability to stretch the field and contribute immediately on the perimeter.
'Obviously he has elite speed. His ability to stretch the field outside the numbers is really, really important. And when you watch him, we thought he arguably had some of the best hands in the draft,' Gutekunst said. 'He's really versatile, he's going to do a lot of things, but we thought he could play outside, and that was important to us.'
Gutekunst also praised Golden's authenticity and resilience, noting the young receiver's maturity and drive.
'Authentic and genuine. This guy has been through some things now in his young life, come out the other side of it. He knows who he is. He loves football. And I think he's going to be a great teammate around him,' Gutekunst said. 'This kid wants to be great, he wants to win. He's been chasing this thing. He's had adversity in his life and he's come out the other side of it... he's going to really work hard at it to be the best he can be.'
Golden joins a young receiving corps in Green Bay that includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Heath. Reed led the Packers with 857 receiving yards in 2024, but the team hasn't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Davante Adams in 2021.
Gutekunst believes Golden can contribute right away, not only as a receiver but also as a return specialist.
'He catches the ball extremely well,' Gutekunst said, citing Golden's game tape and pro day performance in Texas. 'His best football is ahead of him. He has a lot of room for growth.'
Gutekunst noted it took Golden a few games to get comfortable at Texas, but once he became a focal point, his production soared. He also emphasized the value of Golden's experience playing at a top program, regularly facing NFL-caliber opponents and competing for his spot against elite recruits.
The Packers fielded calls from teams interested in trading up to No. 23 but opted to stay put and select Golden.
'We got a good player we all really wanted,' Gutekunst said. 'I think it was a really good night for the Packers... I think you guys are going to like him as you get to know him.'
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