NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 8: A general view of the 2025 NFL Draft logo at the NFL Experience fan festival a day prior to Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles inside of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 08, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
In a league where speed is king, University of Texas WR Matthew Golden ran a blazing 4.29 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
Is he a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft and if so, who will take him?
AUSTIN, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 03: The Texas Longhorns logo is seen in the end zone before the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
At the combine, Golden had a top speed of 23.57 mph. He’s an excellent route-runner and adjusts well to the ball in the air. He led the SEC in TD receptions last season while playing against the highest level of competition. Here are 4 teams that could be very interested in him.
Chargers:
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 7: A general view of the Los Angeles Chargers logo in the end zone from an elevated position before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Quentin Johnston’s hands improved some in his second season, but Jim Harbaugh was openly frustrated with his lack of consistency. Golden would be a perfect complement to Ladd McConkey.
Ravens:
BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 31: A general view of the Baltimore Ravens logo during training camp at M&T Bank Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Zay Flowers is a stud and Rashod Bateman was able to stay healthy in 2024 but the Ravens lack a downfield threat to open their offense. Golden would be an ideal fit for Lamar Jackson.
Bills:
Khalil Shakir just signed a team friendly contract, but Buffalo needs more weapons for Josh Allen. Last year’s draft pick, Keon Coleman, is a big bodied receiver but he lacks straight-line speed. Golden would be terrific on the opposite side of the field from him.
Raiders:
HENDERSON, NEVADA – JUNE 10: A team logo is shown above the entrance at the 336,000-square-foot Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center under construction on June 10, 2020 in Henderson, Nevada. The site will serve as the team’s practice facility and will include three outdoor football fields, a 150,000-square-foot field house with one-and-a-half indoor football fields, a three-story office area, and a 50,000-square-foot performance center. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jakobi Meyers is a solid receiver, but Tre Tucker is more of a big play receiver than he is an every down type of threat. Golden would also take some pressure off Brock Bowers.
NFL Team Prediction:
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Golden’s draft stock flew up the charts with his 40-yard time and the Ravens will take him in the first round.
