The Green Bay Packers addressed their ongoing search for a true No. 1 receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Matthew Golden with the No. 23 overall pick.
Golden steps into a receiver room searching for a clear alpha target, giving him the chance to establish himself as the go-to option for quarterback Jordan Love.
His selection created genuine excitement on draft night in Green Bay, but another significant moment came shortly after.
Golden recently revealed that Love wasted no time reaching out to his newest weapon.
“‘It’s time to go to work,’” Golden said of Love’s text message, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Both Matthew Golden and Savion Williams said Jordan Love reached out to them right after they got drafted.
Love’s message to Golden: “It’s time to go to work.”
Golden’s response: “I’m ready.” pic.twitter.com/RjwAD7hiHN
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 2, 2025
Golden’s response was simple but full of confidence.
“I’m ready,” he said.
This selection marks a significant shift in Green Bay’s draft strategy. The Packers hadn’t used a first-round pick on a wide receiver since 2002, highlighting just how much they value Golden’s skill set.
The Texas product brings versatility to the offense, having logged 175 snaps from the slot and 664 lined up outside during his final collegiate season.
Speed remains Golden’s most eye-catching attribute, with a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
This vertical threat becomes particularly valuable with Christian Watson recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season.
The Packers have accumulated promising talent at wide receiver in recent years, but consistency issues have plagued the group.
Jayden Reed showed flashes last season with 55 catches for 867 yards and five touchdowns but struggled to maintain week-to-week production.
Watson’s injury concerns have limited his impact, while Romeo Doubs has proven to be reliable but not dominant.
Golden now has the opportunity to elevate this receiving corps and become the consistent target Love has been seeking.
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