Packers' $17 million rookie with 4.29 40-yard dash tipped to take offense to the next level

Packers' $17 million rookie with 4.29 40-yard dash tipped to take offense to the next level originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Green Bay Packers' offense will need to carry the load this season. Quarterback Jordan Love faces high expectations, and the supporting cast around him looks like the strongest he's had yet. Among them is rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden—an electrifying talent who could break GM Brian Gutekunst’s usual rookie development trend.

“The Green Bay Packers are no strangers to playing the long game with their first-round picks. General manager Brian Gutekunst has built a reputation for drafting developmental talent—guys with high ceilings who need time to adjust and grow into their roles,” Dairyland Express’ Brian Sampson wrote. “But that trend might finally break in 2025. Still, Golden might already be the best of the bunch. Don’t be surprised if he’s running with the starters when camp opens on July 23. He’s that explosive. It would be easy for head coach Matt LaFleur to plug Golden into the starting lineup right away. Slide Reed into the slot, keep Doubs outside, and suddenly the Packers have a dangerous trio of receivers with real playmaking juice.”

Golden has already raised expectations within the locker room, openly stating his desire to win it all.

“Definitely want to go get that [Lombardi] trophy, man,” Golden told KPRC’s Aaron Wilson. “That’s the question mark we got in our team room is just filling in that blank. That’s the last thing we need in that team room and, for us, that’s all we talk about at practice is getting that trophy.”

Though still a rookie, Golden is already displaying the mentality of a veteran. There’s a growing belief he could be the key to unlocking the Packers’ offensive potential.

“Can’t remember the last time a Packers rookie came into training camp and impressed as much as Matthew Golden has. Green Bay finally invested in a 1st rd WR & it has the chance to take this offense to the next level,” WFRV’s Kyle Malzhan wrote.

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Golden entered the draft with plenty of hype—thanks in part to his blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash—and he's living up to every bit of it. As camp progresses, he continues to evolve, and early signs suggest he may already be Jordan Love’s top target. The connection between the two could be what takes Green Bay’s offense to the next level.