The Green Bay Packers are expecting big things from rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, so much so that a team that normally waits until the later rounds of the NFL Draft to add skill position players invested a premium selection in the budding deep threat.
The Packers, who often came under criticism during the Aaron Rodgers era for not investing many top picks in wide receivers, used a first-round pick on a wideout for the first time since they took Javon Walker way back in the 2002 season. This team clearly expects Golden to play a big role right away.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed, who may see his production sliced in half if Golden is an instant star, clearly sees that Golden is destined for stardom due to the blend of both his physical gifts and his ability to soak up Matt LaFleur's playbook.
"The way he's learned the playbook, just the skill set he has, he's going to be a dominant player in this league," Reed said. "If he continues to lock in on what he needs to lock in on and focus on the playbook and all that kind of stuff, he's going to be very dominant."
Packers WR Jayden Reed believes Matthew Golden is destined for stardom
Green Bay's wide receiver room over the last few years is reminiscent of the early 2010s Atlanta Hawks. Players like Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks make up a collection of quality No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers, but they don't have a No. 1 wideout who can make big plays in big games.
Golden has all the physical tools needed to become a star in this league, as his 4.29 speed and sticky hands made him an easy first-round pick. The key will be consistently packing on muscle so that more physical corners can't overpower him at the line of scrimmage.
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Golden will get a prime opportunity to prove his worth early in his Green Bay career, as Watson is recovering from a serious knee injury and Reed is reportedly working through a Jones fracture in his foot that could impact his production.
Jordan Love will likely not have too many qualms about leaning on Golden in the first few weeks of the season if the former Texas star can pick up the playbook and work on some of his bigger flaws. Brian Gutekunst's reputation will only grow stronger if Golden is as advertised.