First in a series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft April 24:
The Steelers could bolster the trenches by drafting from a strong crop of defensive linemen. Or, they could add more skill to the roster.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. That being said, there might not be a better place to start than with Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden.
After playing 20 games over two seasons at Houston, Golden transferred to Texas. As a junior, he wound up leading the team with 987 receiving yards on only 58 catches, an average of 17 yards per reception. Golden also led the SEC with nine touchdown catches. But, stats aren't everything when evaluating talent at the college level.
The Steelers have pulled out all the stops to get to know Golden in every way possible. They had a formal meeting with him at the Combine, which means he met with Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan. The duo also attended Texas' pro day in Austin, and then the team brought Golden in for one of their 30 allotted pre-draft visits. The interest can't get much higher.
The part of Golden's game that stands out the most is an elite blend of movement skills. His 4.29 40-yard dash was best among wide receivers at the Combine. His ability to stop and start adds a dynamic to his route running that's unparalleled by anyone else in a rather underwhelming class. His footwork is very polished for his age, which really raises his ceiling given how fast and athletic he is already.
Golden doesn't have great size, but he maximizes his catch radius through attacking the football. He made some very impressive catches downfield for the Longhorns, both along the sideline and in the middle of the field while absorbing contact.
As impressive and tantalizing as these traits are, Golden is certainly not a finished product. He needs refinement on his technique with his hands, specifically on the timing of his hand position when making catches. He's also been criticized for routes being too nonchalant or hot and cold when he's not involved in the play.
However, that's why this get-to-know process is so important. If the Steelers feel like he's a coachable kid, the weaknesses are of little concern because his upside is so enticing. Should Golden be available at 21st overall, it's very plausible the Steelers opt to add another playmaker to an offense that needs more of it.
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 74.0 (167th of 1,040 WR) • Receiving grade: 75.6 • Yards per route run: 2.1 • Drop rate: 6.5% • Contested catch rate: 61.1% • Grade vs. man coverage: 65.2
STRENGTHS
• Start/stop ability is best in this year's receiving class. Can consistently beat defenders with an ability to stop on a dime.
• Footwork is very refined, making it easier to win at the release and out of breaks.
• Plays bigger than his size, both in making contested catches and as a willing, aggressive blocker.
• Made eye-popping catches downfield through great athleticism and maximizing catch radius.
• Exceptional body control and strong hands.
• Always looks to add yards after the catch when possible.
• He's admittedly a film rat, which shows dedication to improving his own game through more ways than just on the field.
• Has the ability to return kicks. He took two for touchdowns while a sophomore at Houston.
WEAKNESSES
• When not involved in the play, the quality of routes can diminish.
• Given his speed and athleticism, should be able to do more after the catch.
• Route running needs refinement. Doesn't display enough consistency in attacking leverage. Can rely too much on his natural gifts.
• Needs to work back to the line of scrimmage more when quarterback has to improvise.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
3:28 pm - 04.07.2025DowntownDraft profile: Matthew Golden
First in a series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft April 24:
The Steelers could bolster the trenches by drafting from a strong crop of defensive linemen. Or, they could add more skill to the roster.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. That being said, there might not be a better place to start than with Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden.
MATTHEW GOLDEN
• Position: Wide receiver
• College: Texas (2024), Houston (2022-23)
• Class: Junior
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 191
• 40-yard dash: 4.29
• PFF Big Board: No. 21
• Combine meeting: Yes (formal)
• Pro day visit: Yes
• Pre-draft visit: Yes
NFL comparison: Santonio Holmes
OVERVIEW
After playing 20 games over two seasons at Houston, Golden transferred to Texas. As a junior, he wound up leading the team with 987 receiving yards on only 58 catches, an average of 17 yards per reception. Golden also led the SEC with nine touchdown catches. But, stats aren't everything when evaluating talent at the college level.
The Steelers have pulled out all the stops to get to know Golden in every way possible. They had a formal meeting with him at the Combine, which means he met with Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan. The duo also attended Texas' pro day in Austin, and then the team brought Golden in for one of their 30 allotted pre-draft visits. The interest can't get much higher.
The part of Golden's game that stands out the most is an elite blend of movement skills. His 4.29 40-yard dash was best among wide receivers at the Combine. His ability to stop and start adds a dynamic to his route running that's unparalleled by anyone else in a rather underwhelming class. His footwork is very polished for his age, which really raises his ceiling given how fast and athletic he is already.
Golden doesn't have great size, but he maximizes his catch radius through attacking the football. He made some very impressive catches downfield for the Longhorns, both along the sideline and in the middle of the field while absorbing contact.
As impressive and tantalizing as these traits are, Golden is certainly not a finished product. He needs refinement on his technique with his hands, specifically on the timing of his hand position when making catches. He's also been criticized for routes being too nonchalant or hot and cold when he's not involved in the play.
However, that's why this get-to-know process is so important. If the Steelers feel like he's a coachable kid, the weaknesses are of little concern because his upside is so enticing. Should Golden be available at 21st overall, it's very plausible the Steelers opt to add another playmaker to an offense that needs more of it.
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 74.0 (167th of 1,040 WR)
• Receiving grade: 75.6
• Yards per route run: 2.1
• Drop rate: 6.5%
• Contested catch rate: 61.1%
• Grade vs. man coverage: 65.2
STRENGTHS
• Start/stop ability is best in this year's receiving class. Can consistently beat defenders with an ability to stop on a dime.
• Footwork is very refined, making it easier to win at the release and out of breaks.
• Plays bigger than his size, both in making contested catches and as a willing, aggressive blocker.
• Made eye-popping catches downfield through great athleticism and maximizing catch radius.
• Exceptional body control and strong hands.
• Always looks to add yards after the catch when possible.
• He's admittedly a film rat, which shows dedication to improving his own game through more ways than just on the field.
• Has the ability to return kicks. He took two for touchdowns while a sophomore at Houston.
WEAKNESSES
• When not involved in the play, the quality of routes can diminish.
• Given his speed and athleticism, should be able to do more after the catch.
• Route running needs refinement. Doesn't display enough consistency in attacking leverage. Can rely too much on his natural gifts.
• Needs to work back to the line of scrimmage more when quarterback has to improvise.
Other full scouting reports:
• Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
• Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
• Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
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