2025 Official Super Duper Mock Draft Thread - Opinions On Mocks | Pundit Mocks

[Jack Burton]

Brugler has us going Golden before the likes of Kelvin Banks, Kenneth Grant and Donovan Jackson.... color me very, very surprised if that were to transpire.

Golden has been the hot ticket over the last couple days. Riser.

[Lone Bolt]

I like Golden...but if Egbuke runs 4.4 or better at his pro day, I would go with him, if its WR at 22. (Kinda think it wont be, but who knows) 2 inches taller, 10 to 15 pounds heavier, better blocker, more polished, better X option...

Multiple scouts have pointed out how surprising it was that Golden ran 4.29...thats because he hasnt really shown that speed on the field...on tape...everybody thought Bond was the speedster...

Not digging on Golden...I like him...and maybe Texas just didnt use his speed to great effect...honestly, between him and Egbuke, its splitting hairs...

On Adams...Im kinda meh on that...he is 33...depends on the price...ultimately, if Jim n Joe think they can use him, Im cool...but Im not gonna be heartbroke if we dont snag him...in a nutshell, he will be a very good, but probably expensive stopgap, that would help us address other needs this year.

[CanadianBoltFan]

I like Golden...but if Egbuke runs 4.4 or better at his pro day, I would go with him, if its WR at 22. (Kinda think it wont be, but who knows) 2 inches taller, 10 to 15 pounds heavier, better blocker, more polished, better X option...

Multiple scouts have pointed out how surprising it was that Golden ran 4.29...thats because he hasnt really shown that speed on the field...on tape...everybody thought Bond was the speedster...

Not digging on Golden...I like him...and maybe Texas just didnt use his speed to great effect...honestly, between him and Egbuke, its splitting hairs...

On Adams...Im kinda meh on that...he is 33...depends on the price...ultimately, if Jim n Joe think they can use him, Im cool...but Im not gonna be heartbroke if we dont snag him...in a nutshell, he will be a very good, but probably expensive stopgap, that would help us address other needs this year.

Golden running 4.29 is just a nice bonus. He is an excellent route runner who completely outplayed Bond this year and rose up in the big games. Its nice to know that speed is there though.

I am a fan and prefer him over Egbuka.

[richpjr]

Golden running 4.29 is just a nice bonus. He is an excellent route runner who completely outplayed Bond this year and rose up in the big games. Its nice to know that speed is there though.

I am a fan and prefer him over Egbuka.

After watching our WRs outside of Ladd, I'd drool over either one of them!

[Topcat]

Golden has been the hot ticket over the last couple days. Riser.

The Man with the Golden Hands...or Goldfingers...

[Maniaque 6]

The man with the golden gun.

[Jack Burton]

The Man with the Golden Hands...or Goldfingers...

Apparently after he ran that 4.30, he turned to the folks at the combine and said, “Get me my tote bag, I’m done”
Lol

[Topcat]

Apparently after he ran that 4.29 (4.30), he turned to the folks at the combine and said, “Get me my tote bag, I’m done”
Lol

There...fixed it for 'ya!

[Jack Burton]

There...fixed it for 'ya!

Touché!!!

[Formula 21]

Matthew Golden WR Texas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

ROLE: Outside X-Receiver
Last Updated: 03/03/2025
Draft Year: 2025
40 time: 4.29 seconds (98%*)
Age: 21.7 DOB: 08/01/2003
Height: 5-11 (23%*) Weight: 191 (24%*) Hands: 9 1/2 (55%*) Arm: 30 5/8 (24%*) Forty: 4.29 (C) (98%*) Ten YD: 1.49 (C) (92%*) 0% 100% (C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
All Texas Draft prospects SHARE THIS PROFILE:

Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:		77%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
QB Rating When targeted:	116.6
Hands:		77%
Short Receiving:		84%
Intermediate Routes:		92%
Deep Threat:		92%
Blocking:		67%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 1st - Mid Overall Rank: #12 Position rank: #2
College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1736

Grade: ESPN RATING: 81/100

Grade: 247 RATING: 93/100

Grade: RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)

Jaylen Waddle - Alabama		88%
Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee		87%
Marvin Mims Jr. - Oklahoma		84%

Draft Profile: Bio

Golden, a Houston native, carved his own unique path from Klein Cain High School to the University of Houston before making a splash in Austin with the Longhorns during the 2024 season. His rise to national attention wasn't straightforward—initially committing to TCU, he later switched to Houston. There, he made a mark by setting freshman records with seven touchdowns in 2022. Over two years with the Cougars, Golden showcased his knack for scoring, finding the end zone 13 times through the air and adding two kickoff return touchdowns to his resume. In 2024, he transitioned to Texas, starting all 15 games and delivering his best performances on the biggest stages, including 162 yards in the SEC Championship and a game-winning overtime touchdown in the Peach Bowl.

Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Golden is a true speedster, bringing impressive track speed to the football field with a blazing 4.30-second 40-yard dash that matches his explosive play on the field. His high school days hinted at his future success, amassing 3,242 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns while earning All-State honors. As a four-star recruit, his athletic talents extended beyond football, clocking a 10.93-second 100-meter dash and excelling in the triple jump during his track career.

In his final season at Texas, Golden proved he could compete against top-tier opponents, featuring multiple 100-yard games in crucial late-season matchups. His evolution from a primarily vertical threat at Houston to a versatile receiver in Texas's pro-style offense highlights his dedication to expanding his route repertoire and enhancing his overall game.

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Absolute burner who hits top gear in a flash – defenders caught flat-footed against his vertical routes learn a painful lesson about respecting his speed
• Shows ad*****d understanding of route tempo, masterfully changing speeds to set up breaks and create separation against both man and zone
• Natural hands-catcher who can contort his body and adjust to off-target throws while maintaining control through contact
• Explosive playmaker after the catch with the vision and acceleration of a kick returner – turns routine catches into chunk plays
• Nasty route runner who sells his breaks with conviction – cornerbacks bite hard on his double moves due to his convincing head and shoulder fakes
• Special teams value as a proven kick returner who housed two returns in 2023 – averaged over 31 yards per return showing game-breaking ability
• Competitive at the catch point despite modest size – elevates and high-points the ball with impressive body control and timing
• Consistently creates separation at the top of routes through sudden deceleration and explosive drive out of breaks

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Frame could use additional bulk to better absorb contact and maintain positioning against physical NFL corners who get hands on him
• Concentration drops pop up more than you'd like to see – focus seems to waver when thinking about running before securing the catch
• Blocking effort and technique need significant refinement – struggles to sustain engagement and can get overpowered by defensive backs
• Medical history raises some durability concerns with foot surgery in 2023 and previous rib injury limiting availability
• Press release package needs expansion beyond athletic ability – currently relies too heavily on pure speed and quickness to win off the line

Scouting Report: Summary

NFL offenses will find an immediate deep threat in Matthew Golden who brings far more than just straight-line speed to the table. His sophisticated understanding of route-running and ability to separate at all levels will give offensive coordinators a versatile chess piece to deploy across the formation. While he's dangerous from any alignment, Golden truly shines on the outside where his vertical explosion and sharp breaks create nightmares for defensive backs trying to stay in phase.

The explosiveness shows up time after time on film, particularly during his remarkable College Football Playoff run where he emerged as Texas's go-to target. His stock has soared after dominant performances in the biggest moments – including a spectacular 162-yard showing in the SEC Championship and a clutch 149-yard outing with a game-saving touchdown grab in the Peach Bowl. That level of production against elite competition has talent evaluators scrambling to move him up their boards.

Look for Golden to come off the board in the middle of first round to teams seeking explosive elements in their passing attack. His game would shine brightest in a timing-based offense that maximizes his route-running precision while letting him attack vertically off play-action. While he'll benefit from adding more strength to his frame, Golden's combination of reliable hands, separation skills, and big-play ability – coupled with his proven performance in the biggest moments – make him possibly the receiver with the highest upside in the class.

[Formula 21]

His game would shine brightest in a timing-based offense that maximizes his route-running precision while letting him attack vertically off play-action.

Does that have "Chargers" written all over it?

Deep threat 92%. That's the missing link to Herbie's game.

He's one of the guys I drool over.

[Lone Bolt]

Apparently after he ran that 4.30, he turned to the folks at the combine and said, “Get me my tote bag, I’m done”
Lol

Actually...after running the 4.30, he said "here...hold my beer.." and THEN ran the 4.29