No addition the Green Bay Packers have made this offseason has the potential to be as impactful for the future of the franchise as first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden. So far, so good. The rookie has impressed in training camp, and even quarterback Jordan Love is fired up about what Golden can bring to the offense.
When asked by ESPN's Kevin Clark about a newcomer to highlight, Love was quick to answer.
"Matthew Golden," Love said. "He's shown up since day one and really shown his play style, what he's all about. He came in polished and has been making plays from the start."
Everybody around the Packers have stressed Golden's strong hands. Love corroborated those feelings, but added more to what the rookie weapon can execute.
"He's got very aggressive hands, he's a smooth route runner, and he’s got speed," Love mentioned. "For him, it's just about continuing to understand the playbook and wrap his head around everything we have in, because we have a very deep system. But when he knows what he's doing and he's feeling confident, he's been playing lights out."
On Family Night, Matthew Golden led the Packers wide receivers in snaps out wide. Now, the next step is to show his ability on gameday. Next Saturday, Green Bay plays against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field in its preseason opener, and head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that starters are expected to play.
With the starting offensive line and Jordan Love on the field, Golden will have the opportunity to build a real connection within the offense. And if he can keep the level he's shown at practice, the Packers will have plenty of reasons to believe that the rookie can impact the team from the jump.
Matthew Golden was drafted with the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft—the first wide receiver drafted by the Packers in the first round since 2002, when they took Javon Walker.
-1751531378-q80.webp "Australia take a final call on Steve Smith's future after jaw-dropping injury")