Matthew Golden — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

The Mecole Hardman signing will help the Packers make up for the loss of Christian Watson as he recovers from a January knee injury, but the team still requires long-term help at the position. Golden's speed and ability to win contested catches make him a legitimate downfield playmaker.

I like Tank Dell a lot, but he's a small player who has struggled to stay healthy. The Texans shouldn't rely on him. So without there being a no doubt offensive linemen on the board, they take Golden who just might slide right into Dell's role without any drop-off.

Offensive line is very much in play here, and there are some interesting names the Chiefs could look at. They instead dip their pen back into the Longhorn ink and take another Texas wide receiver in Golden. He is a smooth athlete who can win against press. He would give Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense yet another weapon to open things up, beat man coverage and hold the fort until Rashee Rice returns from injury.

The Packers will be without their best deep threat in Christian Watson for at least the first half of the season because of a torn ACL suffered in Week 18. Their best chance to replicate his ability to take the top off defenses is by taking Golden, the speedster from Texas whose stature may not scream WR1 but whose skill set can give the Packers an explosive option their passing game desperately needs. Green Bay's top four wide receivers are all entering their third or fourth seasons, so the pipeline needs replenishing in case more than one leaves in free agency. The drought is finally over, as the Packers take a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002. — Matt Schneidman

With Ashton Jeanty off the board, I wouldn't rule out North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton landing here. In this case, the Cowboys give CeeDee Lamb a partner who can take the top off the defense and is more than just a speed threat.

With all due respect to Jalen Tolbert and the rest of the Cowboys' supporting cast at wide receiver, Dallas needs to give Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb a little help in the passing game. In just 4.29 seconds at the Combine, Golden cemented his first-round stock, boasting not only elite speed but the playmaking ability to project as a "star" in the NFL.

The new-look Seahawks add another weapon for Sam Darnold in Golden, who shined down the stretch for the Longhorns.

Denver has been an interesting team to follow in free agency. I initially thought Colston Loveland would be the pick for the Broncos here, but they signed Evan Engram, negating their need for a tight end. They've added a bunch of guys defensively, too. I know Sean Payton wants a running back, and his great offenses almost always have great dual-threat RBs, but I don't think there's a great one here to pick, with several options looming in Round 2. So, Golden's the pick. He was Texas' No. 1 receiver by the season's end and the focal point of its passing game down the stretch.

The Chargers could complete their WR room rebuild by taking Golden. They brought back Mike Williams this month, but Ladd McConkey still needs a real game breaker opposite him in this offense. Golden emerged as the go-to option in Texas' offense last season (987 receiving yards and nine TDs) then turned heads with his 4.29-second run in the 40 at the combine. His big-play chops and stellar route running would pair well with McConkey's reliable chain-moving traits.

Los Angeles pivoted more toward the passing game in the second half of last season, and giving quarterback Justin Herbert another target would open up the aerial attack even more in 2025.

The Commanders have done a good job smoothing out their holes via free agency and trades, so they can afford to take a big swing with this pick. The 4.29 40 running Matthew Golden is just that. He would give the Commanders two vertical threats to pair with Deebo Samuel holding things down underneath.

The Seahawks' offensive overhaul now features two receivers who win predominantly in the middle of the field with Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

They'll need a field stretcher to be the cherry on top and keep things from getting too congested — and that's exactly what they get in Matthew Golden.