Matthew Golden NFL Draft Scouting Report & Fantasy Football Outlook

Matthew Golden showcased his explosive speed and big-play ability after transferring to Texas, posting career-best numbers in 2024 while averaging 17.0 yards per catch. While his route running and timing need refinement, his 4.29 speed and kick return success make him an intriguing deep-threat prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Matthew Golden Fantasy Football Profile

The Houston Cougars gave Golden 17 starts over his first 19 games in 2022 and 2023, resulting in two quiet receiving seasons (38/584/7 and 38/404/6). He made more significant plays (15.4 YPC) in his freshman year than in his year (10.4 TPC). A foot injury in his sophomore campaign led to three missed games.

After transferring to Texas, Golden made 16 starts with career highs in catches (58), receiving yards (987), and touchdowns (9). He gained an impressive 17.0 yards per catch. In his college career, Golden returned 28 kickoffs for 722 yards and two scores (25.8 yards per return).

"This a both a reliable and an explosive weapon in this year's draft class."

-@MoveTheSticks on @TexasFootball WR Matthew Golden

📺: 2025 #NFLDraft – April 24-26 on @nflnetwork /ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/NpmaQES9wR
— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) April 2, 2025

The foundation of Golden’s route running has flaws at each level. He must work on his salesmen skills while showing more fight and desire at the top of his release. His lack of timing can lead to poor hand positioning when the ball arrives more quickly than expected. He ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, showcasing his deep speed.

Last year, Texas got Golden the ball many times well beyond the line of scrimmage, but Quinn Ewers rarely hit him in stride, forcing him to make challenging catches coming back to the ball. With the ball in his hands, Golden lacks sufficient experience with his vision to be a top run-after-the-catch player despite showing success returning kicks.

At the next level, an NFL team will start his development as an outside home run threat, but he does have the tools to play all over the field. I don’t see enough in his resume to warrant a first-round selection this year, but a team need is a team need. At the very least, Golden will get better with experience.

More 2025 NFL Draft Rookie Profiles:

Tetairoa McMillan Scouting Report & Fantasy Football Outlook

Luther Burden III Scouting Report & Fantasy Football Outlook

Travis Hunter Scouting Report & Fantasy Football Outlook

2025 NFL Draft: Tyler Warren Scouting Profile & Fantasy Football Outlook

2025 NFL Draft: Colston Loveland Scouting Profile & Fantasy Football Outlook

2025 NFL Draft: Mason Taylor Scouting Profile & Fantasy Football Outlook

2025 NFL Draft: Elijah Arroyo Scouting Profile & Fantasy Football Outlook

Thomas Fidone II NFL Draft Scouting Report & Fantasy Football Outlook