As Matthew Golden was famously the first wide receiver taken by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the NFL draft since the team took Javon Walker at No. 20 overall all the way back in 2002, there's naturally plenty of pressure on the Texas alum to come in and contribute immediately.
Whether that happens when games actually matter obviously remains to be seen. But despite getting just two targets in his NFL debut on Saturday night in the Packers' preseason opener against the New York Jets, Golden already has Cheeseheads giddy as can be about what he can bring to Green Bay's offensive attack.
On the Packers' second drive of the game, Golden caught a seven-yard pass from Jordan Love on a slant route that resulted in a first down.
And just three plays later, with Green Bay facing 3rd-and-6, he drew a pass interference call on two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner, which isn't the easiest thing to do, thus resulting in another first down.
The drive was ultimately wasted, as the Packers punted the ball away a few plays later, but he apparently made a solid impression on Gardner, as well as Jets superstar wideout Garrett Wilson, both of whom Golden said he conversed with following the game.
"We just crossed paths. [I] went and dapped them up and I guess they recognized me,” Golden said after Packers practice on Monday. "Just told me what they had to say, and we just went on from there. They gave me some feedback. Just told me to keep going, rookie year, just stay confident, keep playing hard."
Matthew Golden receives advice from Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson after Packers' preseason opener
Gardner and Wilson certainly know a thing or two about making an immediate impact, as they swept Rookie of the Year honors after Gang Green selected both in the first round of the 2022 draft.
Gardner quickly established himself one of the top corners in the entire NFL as a rookie, not only winning DROY but also earning a trip to the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors, accolades he also received in his second season.
Wilson, meanwhile, took OROY honors in 2022 after recording 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. He's gone for 1,000-plus yards in each of the last two seasons as well and is also coming off his first 100-catch campaign.
So, these are two guys who know what they're talking about. And let's get real. If Golden can match what Wilson did as a rookie, the Packers will be absolutely thrilled.