Golden is one of the top wide receivers in this year’s draft.
Heading toward the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have plenty of room for improvement at the wide receiver position. Even after signing Mack Hollins in free agency, the group lacks young, high-upside talent to develop alongside second-year quarterback Drake Maye. In order to find that talent, turning to the draft makes the most sense.
One of the targets to keep an eye on in that regard is Texas’ Matthew Golden, who projects as a first-round prospect. Let’s take a closer look at him.
Hard facts
Name: Matthew Golden
Position: Wide receiver
School: University of Texas
Opening day age: 22 (08/01/2003)
Measurements: 5’11”, 191 pounds, 9 1/2” hand size, 30 5/8” arm length, 76 3/8” wingspan, 4.29 40-yard dash, N/A Relative Athletic Score
Experience
Career statistics: 36 games | 1,795 offensive snaps, 129 special teams snaps | 134 receptions, 1,975 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns | 28 kick returns, 722 yards, 2 touchdowns
Accolades: Second-team All-Big 12 (2023)
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Golden stayed close to home and attended the University of Houston where he earned a starting spot his freshman season.
Appearing in 11 games his first year, Golden posted nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns earning him a spot on the Walter Camp Award watchlist entering the 2023 season. However, Golden’s statical production took a slight hit in his second season with the Cougars as he then entered the transfer portal following the year.
Eventually transferring to the University of Texas, Golden went on the led the Longhorns with 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns last season. That included 100-plus yard games in the SEC Championship against Georgia and in the first-round of the playoff vs. Arizona State. His play throughout the year and late season surge had Golden quickly skyrocketing up draft boards which led to him then declaring for the NFL Draft.
Draft profile
Expected round: 1 | Consensus big board: No. 20 | Patriots meeting: N/A
Strengths: Golden’s surge up draft rankings continued in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine where his 4.29 40-yard dash was the fastest among all wide receivers. His speed and explosiveness help make him a big play threat which was seen in Texas as he ranked eighth among all FBS receivers with 13 total receptions on deep targets.
One of the best route runners in the class, Golden creates easy separation — often snapping off routes downfield after using his speed to threaten defensive backs vertically — and can win both inside and outside and against press coverage with his quickness.
Despite a smaller frame, Golden has a knack for going outside his body to haul in off-target passes. He maintains good body control and saw his contested catch rate jump in his first year in Texas — hauling in 11-of-18 targets. Seven of those contested catches this past season came on deep targets (20+ yards) as he showcased plus ball tracking skills.
Weaknesses: Speaking of his frame, Golden measured in at just 191 pounds at the NFL Combine last month. Teams must decide if that will limit him to an inside receiver at the next level or if Golden’s play strength can hold up along the outside without added mass.
Patriots preview
What would be his role? Golden would provide an immediate upgrade on the field among New England’s pass catchers. Teams may allow his versatility to stick playing inside-out early in his career, but he may best be suited for a starting spot at the Z — where he can continue to be reliable underneath and a threat down the field.
What is his growth potential? As a 21-year-old true junior, Golden’s ceiling remains as high as any wide receiver in this class. While his speed will allow him to be a big play threat from day one in an NFL offense, his added ability to create separation should lead to him becoming a big-time part of any passing attack.
Does he have positional versatility? Golden ended his three-year college career with an 80/20 split when it came to lining up along the outside vs. inside. While he’s proven he can defeat press coverage his frame will determine if he is limited to an inside receiver at the next level. Additionally, Golden averaged 25-plus yards over 28 kick returns — which included two touchdowns.
Why the Patriots? New England desperately needs playmakers at the wide receiver position and Golden would immediately provide an upgraded option with his speed and explosiveness. His route running ability would also make him a friendly target for quarterback Drake Maye and a strong fit for offensive coordintor Josh McDaniels.
Why not the Patriots? Golden rising up draft boards could push him out of New England’s range without significant movement up or down the board. Additionally, if they have concerns with Golden’s frame, they could target someone who projects better outside the numbers to complement the current group of receivers on the depth chart.
One-sentence verdict: If the Patriots can work into Golden’s projected range in the middle/back half of the first round, he would provide an immediate boost and needed explosiveness to their passing game.
What do you think about Matthew Golden as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.