Texas Longhorns star receiver Mathew Golden is one of the most underrated prospects to know for the 2025 NFL Draft. His blazing speed and extreme shiftiness make him a valuable Day 2 prospect to watch.
Golden’s scouting report dives into everything you need to know about one of the nation’s most devastating receivers.
Matthew Golden Scouting Report
- Size: 6’0″, 194 pounds
- Key Stat: 957 receiving yards and 9 TDs (tied for first in SEC) in 2024-25
- Projected Role: WR2 or 3
Strengths
- Creates NFL-level separation.
- Gains separation off the line of scrimmage and within routes.
- Acceraltes well out of the break and gets upfield quickly.
- Possesses elite speed with twitchiness.
- Shows body control while staying balanced after the catch.
- Plays with strength and physicality.
- Played his best in the biggest games of the year.
- Kick return experience. (Two TDs 2023-24)
Areas to Improve
- Occasionally turns his head for the ball too early.
- Not as strong at the top of the route.
- 70% catch percentage 2024-25, but poor hand timing can lead to some focus drops.
- Average YAC ability.
- Inconsistent coming back to the ball.
- Struggled to break out with Houston and transferred to Texas.
- Got a lot of free releases in Texas offense with motion.
Ceiling: Elite route-running WR1
Floor: WR3 and Productive special teams player
Matthew Golden NFL Draft Outlook
With Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittingham departing for the NFL and Isiah Neyor transferring to Nebraska, Texas turned on the transfer portal to reload the receiver position.
Coming into the 2024-25 season, all eyes were on Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond, but Matthew Golden, by way of Houston, made the largest impact in the receiver room.
Golden struggled to break out with the Cougars but remained a productive player, totaling just 988 yards over two seasons. This season, he nearly reached that number, accumulating 987 yards and nine touchdowns, fitting in perfectly with Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
With his speed and twitchiness, Golden demonstrated a staggering ability to create separation from defenders. Sarkisian often put Goldn in motion, allowing for free releases and easily blowing past defenders.
Despite his smaller frame, Golden plays exceptionally physically, using his body control and strength to play through contact.
The most impressive aspect of Golden’s game this season was his ability to perform at his best when it mattered most.
- vs. Georgia: 3 catches for 77 yards
- vs. Georgia, SEC Championship: 8 catches for 162 yards
- vs. Arizona State, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: 7 catches for 149 yards, 1 TD
Bottom Line: Golden’s physical traits and production make him an extremely valuable and underrated prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Based on team needs, he has the experience and ability to play on the outside or the slot.
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No, this is not a wide receiver-heavy NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t Day 2 gems. Golden’s production in the Longhorn’s offense speaks for itself. Keep your eyes on Golden during the combine. He could very easily fly up draft boards.
Draft Projection: Mid-Round 2
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