The Green Bay Packers have shattered their 22-year streak of skipping wide receivers in the first round of the NFL draft. The team selected Matthew Golden, a Texas native, with the 23rd pick on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the packed Lambeau Field stadium.
For years, fans had clamored for the Packers to take a receiver early in the draft, and finally, Mark Murphy announced that era was over. “It’s time,” said Golden as he took the stage after his selection, echoing Murphy’s words. The move has delighted the sea of Green Bay fans packing the stadium.
General manager Brian Gutekunst explained that the team had been discussing potential receivers throughout the draft process and entertained trade offers. However, Golden’s impressive speed and production at the combine sealed his fate as a first-round pick.
Golden’s statistics are impressive, having caught 134 passes for 1,975 yards and 22 touchdowns in three college seasons. His lone season at Texas in 2024 yielded 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite being only 5-foot-11, Golden’s speed made him a sought-after receiver.
Gutekunst expressed that the team has a history of avoiding receivers in the first round, dating back to Ron Wolf’s era. However, he acknowledged that there was never any philosophical opposition to selecting a receiver early. The move marks a significant shift for the Packers and is sure to be celebrated by their devoted fanbase.
The selection is also notable as it gives quarterback Jordan Love a receiving companion drafted in the first round for the first time in franchise history. With Golden on board, the team now has a new dynamic in place, one that promises exciting moments for years to come.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44843701/nfl-draft-matthew-golden-packers-first-1st-round-wr-02