The Green Bay Packers made a huge investment in Jordan Love ahead of the 2024 season despite him only having one year of starting experience under his belt. They signed the young quarterback to a four-year, $220 million contract extension that included $160.3 million in guaranteed money.
Love responded with another strong year, leading the Packers to the postseason for the second consecutive year as they fielded one of the best offenses in the league. Green Bay ranked eighth in scoring offense, fifth in total yards, 12th in passing yards, 10th in passing touchdowns, fifth in rushing yards, and fifth in rushing touchdowns.
Despite having a well-rounded offense, the Packers lacked a true No. 1 threat in the passing game. Jayden Reed led all Green Bay wide receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns -- finishing with 55 receptions for 857 yards and six touchdowns.
The front office looked to change that in the 2025 NFL Draft, using two of their first three picks on wide receivers as they selected Matthew Golden 23rd overall and Savion Williams 87th overall. A recent article from Bleacher Report labeled the duo as the franchise's X-factors heading into the 2025 season.
Rookie WR duo named Packers X-factors ahead of 2025 season
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report labeled the duo as the Packers' X-factor heading into the 2025 season, writing:
"(Love) has only shown flashes to this point, though he hasn't enjoyed a truly reliable receiving corps," writes Knox. "Green Bay had a collection of good receivers in 2024 but no true standout No. 1. Drops (33 on the season) were also a problem, one that showed up again in its preseason opener."
"These are reasons why Green Bay drafted wideouts Matthew Golden and Savion Williams and why it needs the young receivers to make an immediate and significant impact," Knox added.
Golden had a strong season in his lone year with the Texas Longhorns as he recorded 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 58 receptions.
Meanwhile, Williams served as more of a gadget player for the TCU Horned Frogs, finishing with 611 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 60 receptions. He added 322 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 51 carries and even completed all three pass attempts for 22 yards and a touchdown.
The expectation of rookies -- who went in the late first round and third round, respectively -- to serve as a championship contender's X-factor may seem like a lot of pressure. It should be noted, however, that Golden is the first pass catcher that the Packers have selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2002.
Meanwhile, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks are all battling injuries. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs left Tuesday's practice with an injury.
The door appears open for the Packers' rookies to make a strong impression.