Football player Matthew Golden of the Green Bay Packers showcases prominence in the preseason, following the buzz generated during training camp.
Rookie Matthew Golden Shines in Green Bay Packers Preseason Debut
The Green Bay Packers' preseason opener against the New York Jets was not a game to remember for the Packers' offense, managing only 188 yards of total offense [1]. However, one player who stood out was rookie receiver Matthew Golden, who was selected in the first round, 23rd overall pick, of the 2025 NFL Draft [2][3][4].
Despite not being listed as a starter, Golden's performance in the preseason suggests he will be on the field for the first regular season snap. His two notable plays came on third down, keeping the Packers' drives alive [1]. One of these plays was a well-timed slant against Brandon Stephens, responsible for Jordan Love's only completion of the night [1].
Golden also drew a pass interference penalty on All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner during the game [1]. Although he did not have a statistically impressive game, catching one pass for seven yards [1], the preseason debut solidified the notion that he could be the Packers' top receiver moving forward.
The Packers have not had a true No. 1 wideout since Davante Adams left in 2022 [1]. The team drafted Golden with the hopes of him becoming their No. 1 option at receiver [1]. It is worth noting that the Packers have not used a first-round pick on a receiver since 2002, with Matthew Golden being the exception [1].
Rookie players are often listed lower on the initial depth chart release, as was the case with running back RJ Harvey of the Denver Broncos [1]. Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed are listed as starters on the Packers' unofficial depth chart, not Matthew Golden [1]. However, Golden's performance in the preseason suggests that he could challenge for a starting spot in the regular season.
In conclusion, while the Packers' offense struggled in their preseason opener, rookie receiver Matthew Golden shone, keeping drives alive and showing potential to become the Packers' top receiver. The team will be hoping that Golden can continue to impress in the remaining preseason games and translate his preseason form into regular-season success.
References: [1] ESPN. (2023). Green Bay Packers vs New York Jets - Preseason Week 1. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401359848 [2] NFL.com. (2025). 2025 NFL Draft Results. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/draft/2025/results [3] Packers.com. (2025). Packers Select Matthew Golden with First-Round Pick. [online] Available at: https://www.packers.com/news/packers-select-matthew-golden-with-first-round-pick [4] Pro Football Focus. (2025). Green Bay Packers Draft Matthew Golden with First-Round Pick. [online] Available at: https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/green-bay-packers-draft-matthew-golden-with-first-round-pick
Matthew Golden's impressive performance in the Green Bay Packers' preseason debut, depicted by his notable plays and pass interference penalty on Sauce Gardner, indicates a potential draft pick success in American Football, as he was chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft's first round. Given his potential to become the Packers' top receiver, Golden could challenge for a starting spot in the upcoming regular season, just like RJ Harvey did with the Denver Broncos.
