Matthew Golden WR Texas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Matthew Golden WR Texas
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 01/17/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.38 seconds (88%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.5 DOB: 08/01/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 01/17/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.38 seconds (88%*) | |
| Age: 21.5 DOB: 08/01/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 86.5 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 116.6 | |
| Hands: |
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76% |
| Short Receiving: |
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83% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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91% |
| Deep Threat: |
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91% |
| Blocking: |
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66% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Mid
Overall Rank:
#44
Position rank:
#6
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| College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1736 | ||
ESPN RATING: 81/100
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247 RATING: 93/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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Draft Profile: Bio
Golden, a Houston native, carved his own unique path from Klein Cain High School to the University of Houston before making a splash in Austin with the Longhorns during the 2024 season. His rise to national attention wasn't straightforward—initially committing to TCU, he later switched to Houston. There, he made a mark by setting freshman records with seven touchdowns in 2022. Over two years with the Cougars, Golden showcased his knack for scoring, finding the end zone 13 times through the air and adding two kickoff return touchdowns to his resume. In 2024, he transitioned to Texas, starting all 15 games and delivering his best performances on the biggest stages, including 162 yards in the SEC Championship and a game-winning overtime touchdown in the Peach Bowl.Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Golden is a true speedster, bringing impressive track speed to the football field with a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash that matches his explosive play on the field. His high school days hinted at his future success, amassing 3,242 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns while earning All-State honors. As a four-star recruit, his athletic talents extended beyond football, clocking a 10.93-second 100-meter dash and excelling in the triple jump during his track career.
In his final season at Texas, Golden proved he could compete against top-tier opponents, featuring multiple 100-yard games in crucial late-season matchups. His evolution from a primarily vertical threat at Houston to a versatile receiver in Texas's pro-style offense highlights his dedication to expanding his route repertoire and enhancing his overall game.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Absolute burner who hits top gear in a flash – defenders caught flat-footed against his vertical routes learn a painful lesson about respecting his speed
- Shows advanced understanding of route tempo, masterfully changing speeds to set up breaks and create separation against both man and zone
- Natural hands-catcher who can contort his body and adjust to off-target throws while maintaining control through contact
- Explosive playmaker after the catch with the vision and acceleration of a kick returner – turns routine catches into chunk plays
- Nasty route runner who sells his breaks with conviction – cornerbacks bite hard on his double moves due to his convincing head and shoulder fakes
- Special teams value as a proven kick returner who housed two returns in 2023 – averaged over 31 yards per return showing game-breaking ability
- Competitive at the catch point despite modest size – elevates and high-points the ball with impressive body control and timing
- Consistently creates separation at the top of routes through sudden deceleration and explosive drive out of breaks
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Frame could use additional bulk to better absorb contact and maintain positioning against physical NFL corners who get hands on him
- Concentration drops pop up more than you'd like to see – focus seems to waver when thinking about running before securing the catch
- Blocking effort and technique need significant refinement – struggles to sustain engagement and can get overpowered by defensive backs
- Medical history raises some durability concerns with foot surgery in 2023 and previous rib injury limiting availability
- Press release package needs expansion beyond athletic ability – currently relies too heavily on pure speed and quickness to win off the line
Scouting Report: Summary
NFL offenses will find an immediate deep threat in Matthew Golden who brings far more than just straight-line speed to the table. His sophisticated understanding of route-running and ability to separate at all levels will give offensive coordinators a versatile chess piece to deploy across the formation. While he's dangerous from any alignment, Golden truly shines on the outside where his vertical explosion and sharp breaks create nightmares for defensive backs trying to stay in phase.The explosiveness shows up time after time on film, particularly during his remarkable College Football Playoff run where he emerged as Texas's go-to target. His stock has soared after dominant performances in the biggest moments – including a spectacular 162-yard showing in the SEC Championship and a clutch 149-yard outing with a game-saving touchdown grab in the Peach Bowl. That level of production against elite competition has talent evaluators scrambling to move him up their boards.
Look for Golden to come off the board as early as the mid-second round to teams seeking explosive elements in their passing attack. His game would shine brightest in a timing-based offense that maximizes his route-running precision while letting him attack vertically off play-action. While he'll benefit from adding more strength to his frame, Golden's combination of reliable hands, separation skills, and big-play ability – coupled with his proven performance in the biggest moments – make him one of the draft's fastest-rising prospects.
How other scouting services rate Matthew Golden (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
42.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
6.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.