Packers' $17 million rookie projected to 'outshine' Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, per ESPN analyst
Context:
The Green Bay Packers are poised to make a significant impact in the NFC North this season, with aspirations of topping the division despite fierce competition from the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. Quarterback Jordan Love is expected to progress further in his role, providing his receivers ample opportunities. Much attention is focused on rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, who has garnered attention for his viral draft night story and potential on the field. ESPN analyst Eric Moody predicts Golden will lead all rookies in receiving yards, surpassing notable players like Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan. The Packers are optimistic about Golden's prospects, seeing him as a key player in their offensive strategy alongside Love and coach Matt LaFleur.
Dive Deeper:
The Green Bay Packers aim to excel in the NFC North, which has been tightly contested by the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, with the Packers previously securing a wild card spot.
Jordan Love continues as the starting quarterback for Green Bay, expected to improve as he gains more experience, enhancing the performance of his receivers.
Matthew Golden, a first-round draft pick for the Packers, went viral on draft night due to his touching story about buying a house for his grandmother, highlighting his character and determination.
Golden, who was a primary wide receiver at Texas, is anticipated to have a standout rookie season with the Packers, potentially filling the same role at the professional level.
ESPN analyst Eric Moody forecasts that Golden will surpass all rookies in receiving yards, outshining players like Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan by the 2025 season.
The Packers' decision to draft a wide receiver like Golden in the first round is unusual, showcasing their belief in his potential impact alongside quarterback Jordan Love and coach Matt LaFleur.
Golden's abilities are seen as promising, though achieving the projected success will require significant effort, but the Packers are optimistic about his future contributions to the team.
The Green Bay Packers are looking to make some noise in the NFC North this season. They’re aiming to finish atop a tightly contested division. Last year, it was the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions battling for the top spot, while the Packers settled for a wild card berth.
This year marks another season with Jordan Love as Green Bay’s starting quarterback, which means his receivers know they're in prime position to get the ball. Love is a talented QB, and with another year of experience under his belt, he’s expected to take another significant step forward.
Since the NFL Draft, much of the buzz surrounding the Packers has been about first-round pick Matthew Golden. Golden went viral on draft night after sharing what he plans to do with his first NFL paycheck.
“Definitely get my grandma a house, man," Golden said. "We lost our property a couple of years ago. That's somewhere I grew up when I was younger. It'd be a blessing to be able to get that back for my family.”
Golden has every opportunity to have a big rookie season in Green Bay. He took over as the primary wide receiver at Texas and has the potential to do the same for the Packers. ESPN analyst Eric Moody believes Golden will lead all rookies in receiving yards—even ahead of standout Travis Hunter.
“Green Bay wideout Matthew Golden will lead all rookies in receiving yards. I think Golden will outshine Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025 season. It's rare for the Packers to take a wide receiver in the first round, and Golden finds himself in an ideal situation with rising quarterback Jordan Love and offensive-minded coach Matt LaFleur. Could Golden be the 2025 version of Brian Thomas Jr.?" Moody said.
Golden certainly has the ability, though it will take a lot to outpace someone like Hunter. The Packers are excited about Golden—and rightfully so.