Considering the fact that the Packers hadn’t drafted a Wide Receiver in the first round since 2002, the Packers hoped Golden would be their top receiver.
Through out training camp Matthew Golden has done nothing but impress the Packers coaching staff.
Although he only played a limited amount of snaps, you saw why the Packers took Golden in the first round.
In the first game against the Jets, he was the only receiver to catch a pass from Jordan Love.
Against the Seahawks Golden made a great adjustment to the ball and came down with a 39 yard reception.
Golden’s Performance during Training Camp
Golden has practiced with the first team offense during training camp.
This is a sign the Packers will look to use him more once the season starts.
For coach Matt LeFleur though he thinks that the connection between Love and Golden will take some time.
“I think he’s just scratching the surface.”
LeFleur went on to say “Obviously, rookies, they’re drinking water through a fire hose, so to speak. There’s just a lot of information that we throw at these guys, a lot of different concepts.”
Playing time in the regular season
With injuries to the Packers WR group, Golden may get more playing time when the season starts in two weeks.
Based on what we’ve seen so far from Golden, it looks like the rookie is ready to help the Packers WR group.
Though he has limited action in the preseason, Golden has had the chance to line up against top tier corners like Sauce Gardner and others during joint practices.
Not only did Golden perform well against those top corners, he made it look like he wasn’t the rookie.
For now it looks like Golden would be the 2 or third WR behind Romeo Doubs who is the number 1 receiver.
But if the Packers can get the WR group healthy, there are multiple ways to get Golden on the field.
Keep in mind also, the Packers have a returning Christian Watson as well.
Golden for now can be that deep threat and stretch the filed.
But once the Packers get Watson back, you can have both be deep threats, which will certainly be dangerous.
Conclusion
Matthew Golden has show during training camp and the preseason that he is ready.
There is a reason why the Packers made him the first WR taken in the first round since 2002.
Golden has all the tools to become an explosive receiver.
The only question is how will that show during the regular season.
We’ll find out in 2 weeks when the Packers take on the Lions in the 2025 season opener.
