Behind the Steel Curtain
Breaking out in his junior year, Golden is this year’s jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
Approaching the 2025 NFL Draft, we’ll be scouting as many of the top prospects that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have their eye on anywhere from Rounds 1 through 7. We’ll break down the prospects themselves, strengths and weaknesses, projected draft capital and their fit with the Steelers.
BRIEF INTRO: (Example: The Steelers might have a big need at cornerback this offseason with Donte Jackson set to hit free agency. Could Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas be the Steelers’ next CB2?)
Matthew Golden is perhaps the biggest riser of the current draft season. Though I wouldn’t compare their body types or playstyles, fans of the NFL draft will see similarities in Golden’s sudden rise to notoriety with another Texas wide receiver — 2024 draftee Adonai Mitchell. Like Mitchell, Golden had some of his best games late in the season, most notably the SEC Championship game against Georgia and the Peach Bowl against Arizona State.
Golden grew up in Houston and was 247 Sports' 25th-ranked WR nationally during his recruiting class. He ultimately chose to stay at home and committed to the University of Houston despite offers from Texas, LSU, Wisconsin, TCU, Pitt and others.
Golden carved out a role for himself as a freshman with a 38-584-7 receiving line while playing behind Tank Dell, a player who had a special run over his final two seasons at Houston. A foot injury and a lack of chemistry with the Cougars’ new quarterback in 2023 led to a disappointing sophomore season. Golden hit the transfer portal and wound up reuniting with high school teammate Jaydon Blue — a running back in this draft class — at Texas.
Golden caught two touchdowns in the season opener but otherwise had a relatively slow start to begin the year. He didn’t eclipse 100 yards in a game until the SEC Championship. It wasn’t until after his teammate Isaiah Bond missed time with injury that the Longhorns started increasing his target share. Of his 58 receptions for 987 yards on the year, 19 receptions and 411 yards came in the Longhorns’ final four games of the season.
I highlight this not to detract from Golden or to imply that he can’t develop into a true blue NFL No. 1 receiver. When given volume in college, he produced. But it’s important context to remember that he was not provided that opportunity often, so a lot of Golden’s appeal is also projection. I believe Golden is an ascending player in his development, but I also want to manage expectations that can often get out of hand with first-round picks. Let’s meet the prospect where he’s at....
