Even though the Green Bay Packers are facing a handful of questions heading into training camp, they're in a position to make a legitimate push for the NFC North next season. One big reason is that Matthew Golden is expected to take off in Year 2.
Although Golden didn't have a featured role as a rookie, he flashed enough talent to make you think that he could give opposing secondaries nightmares if he gets a bigger workload. That's precisely what the Packers envision after letting Romeo Doubs bolt in free agency and later trading Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But despite having several things going in his favor, an NFL analyst is pumping the brakes on the hype surrounding Golden.
Matthew Golden has everything to prove in his second season
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report discussed whether to buy or sell stock on the top second-year receivers and believes Golden may not be able to make a leap in his sophomore campaign, arguing that he may be behind Jayden Reed and Christian Watson on the depth chart.
"The Green Bay Packers allowed Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency and traded fellow wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks ot the Philadelphia Eagles," Moton wrote. "While those moves seem like positives for Matthew Golden's second-year outlook, the Packers also signed Jayden Reed and Christian Watson to extensions. They're solidified in Green Bay's passing attacks."
"Don't forget that tight end Tucker Kraft is working his way back from a torn ACL. He's recorded 133 catches for 1,551 yards and 15 touchdowns in 42 games across three seasons."
All things considered, Moton makes compelling points. The Packers showed their confidence in Reed and Watson by giving both of them extensions. Couple that with the fact that Tucker Kraft will also be a big part of the Green Bay passing game, and it's easy to see why Golden could be an afterthought.
On the other hand, Kraft is recovering from an ACL injury he suffered last year. Moreover, Reed and Watson have yet to prove that they're featured receivers. That could most definitely pave the way for Golden to seize a starting job.
On top of that, the Packers wouldn't have moved on from Doubs and Wicks if they weren't confident Golden would be able to step into their place.
You could make the case that the Packers are making a risky decision with Golden based on his limited production last year. On paper, that's most definitely a reason for concern, as he only hauled in 29 receptions for 361 yards with no touchdowns. But that's because he was stuck behind the veteran receivers on the depth chart.
Furthermore, Golden flashed game-changing potential in limited opportunities. In particular, his four receptions for 84 yards with one touchdown in the playoff loss to the Chicago Bears could be a sign of things to come.
The bottom line is that all signs point toward Golden having a breakout season. If he pulls it off, the Packers' passing game could give rival teams in the NFC North nightmares.
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