Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is entering his sixth season in the NFL, and third as the starting quarterback. Heading into this season, though, it appears that he has a weapon capable of helping him take the Packers to the next level.
While appearing on ESPN's This Is Football, Love revealed who he thinks is the Packers' most impressive newcomer. He instantly answered with Matthew Golden, adding that "he's going to be a stud."
"Matthew Golden," Love said without hesitation. "He came in really polished and has been making plays since Day 1. He's got very aggressive hands. He's a smooth route-runner. He's got speed."
Jordan Love believes Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden is going to make an instant impact
Rookies can struggle to adjust to the changes that come with joining the NFL. The game is faster, the hits are harder, and when you add life-changing money to the equation, it can certainly be overwhelming. Even the different design of the football can be tricky, as once stated by Ja'Marr Chase.
That said, seeing a talented young rookie stand out, even early in training camp, can be exciting for fans and teammates alike. After hosting the draft in the shadows of Lambeau Field, Packers fans may be even more excited after being up close and personal with this year's draft class.
It is well documented that Golden is the first Packers receiver selected in the first round in over 20 years, going back to Javon Walker out of Florida State. Since then, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers both went the rest of their respective tenures without a first-round pass catcher.
That's not to say that the Packers didn't find studs in other rounds. Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs are just some of the drafted receivers who have excelled with Green Bay.
Standing at 5-foot-11, with blazing speed, Golden has been turning heads of fans and media alike. In every practice, he seems to do something to stand above the rest of the Packers' receiving corps.
Green Bay released its first unofficial depth chart, which saw Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks listed as the initial starters.
While this is far from shocking, it seems like only a matter of time before Golden leapfrogs one of them, most likely Wicks. Even if he doesn't on paper, rest assured, Matt LaFleur will find ways to get him involved in the Packers offense. As Love said, "He's going to be a stud."
The Packers have got themselves a special player.