Matthew Golden draft projections: NFL mock drafts, updated rankings for Texas WR

Matthew Golden, a former Texas football wideout, might be one of the largest risers of the NFL draft's first round.

He was always likely to go on the draft's first day Thursday in Green Bay, Wisc.

but Golden has established himself of a top-three receiver in the class thanks to strong production his final collegiate season and a blazing 40-yard dash time.

A bump up from being picked in late 20s, where most had him since the season ended, to a top-20 selection could mean millions more over the length of his contract.The cliche "it's not how you start, it's how you finish" can be applied Golden's collegiate career.

He amassed 411 yards and a touchdown on 19 receptions to lead the Longhorns offense during Texas' four-game postseason run (an SEC title appearance and three rounds of the College Football Playoff).Yet, one could argue the way he started his collegiate career wasn't at all bad to begin; with the Houston Cougars, he set the team's freshman record for touchdown receptions with seven.

He matched his receptions as a sophomore (38) but gained just 404 receiving yards as his season was cut short due to injury.

His 987 receiving yards led the Longhorns this past season as did his nine receiving touchdowns.GOLDEN: College football needs a commissioner and Nick Saban should be the choiceGolden's lone score in the CFP was a big one, as it helped the Longhorns hold off Arizona State in the CFP quarterfinals.

Golden's fourth-and-13 catch for a 28-yard touchdown to keep overtime going will go down as one of the most clutch plays in UT history.

And a 4.29-second 40-yard dash pushed him into the conversation for best wideout prospects in the draft.Here's what NFL fans can expect to see from Golden at the next level:2024 TEXAS FOOTBALL AWARDS: Do Quinn Ewers, Jahdae Barron win honors?MORE LONGHORNS Here are 5 questions for Arch Manning, 2025 Texas offenseMatthew Golden draft projectionsGolden appears to be a mid-to-late first round pick, based on his typical position on draft boards.

He's moved up over the past weeks since the last iteration of a few of the mocks below.Jordan Reid, ESPN: No.

18 to the Seattle SeahawksMel Kiper Jr., ESPN: No.

12 to the Dallas CowboysMatt Miller, ESPN: No.

18 to the SeahawksJeff Risdon, Draft Wire: No.

10 to the Las Vegas Raiders (trade with Chicago)Dane Brugler, The Athletic: No.

12 to the CowboysJason McIntyre, Fox Sports: No.

28 to the Baltimore RavensPro Football Network:No.

20 to the Denver Broncos Tankathon: No.

22 to the Los Angeles Chargers Pro Football Focus: No.

28 to the Seahawks (via trade with Detroit Lions)Ryan Wilson, CBS: No.

16 to the Arizona Cardinals Chris Trapasso, CBS: No.

12 to the CowboysJosh Edwards, CBS: No.

12 to the CowboysMatthew Golden bioPosition: Wide receiverAge: 21 (22 in August)Hometown: HoustonHeight: 6 feetWeight: 195 poundsGOLDEN: Arch Manning's famous grandfather has words of advice in advance of 2025 seasonMatthew Golden positional rankingsLongtime ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.

once had Golden as No.

5 on his list of wide receiver prospects.

Since the last update earlier this year, Golden has risen up Kiper's ranking and CBS rankings, where he was once the 74th prospect overall and seventh-best wideout.Every one of ESPN's writers moved Golden up at least one spot since their last rankings.

Daniel Jeremiah, of NFL Network, now has him as the top wideout in the class.Kiper: No.

15 prospect overall, No.

2 WR (behind Travis Hunter)Jordan Reid, ESPN:No.

23 overall, No.

3 WRMatt Miller, ESPN: No.

16 overall, No.

3 WRField Yates, ESPN:No.

15 overall, No.

3 WRVinnie Iyer, Sporting News:No.

35 overall, No.

4 WRDaniel Jeremiah, NFL Network:No.

14 overall, No.

1 WRDane Brugler, The Athletic: No.

15 overall, No.

2 WRPFF: No.

25 prospect overall, No.

4 WRCBS:No.

22 prospect overall, No.

3 WRFox Sports: No.

28 overall, No.

3 WRMatthew Golden scouting reportStrengths: Good hands.

Solid route running, creates separation.

Solid speed and acceleration.

Runs well with the ball.

Clutch gene, excelling late in season and during College Football Playoff.Weaknesses: Drops earlier in college career.

Bit of an injury bug, which popped up in CFP semifinal.

Lacks blazing speed and ideal WR size.What our reporter noticed: Golden started the season as just another name in a wide receivers' room packed with talent.

It was anyone's guess who would end up leading the Longhorns in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

With names like Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond, true freshman speedster Ryan Wingo, shifty Oregon State transfer Silas Bolden and DeAndre Moore Jr.

still on the roster, Golden turned out to be the most consistent wideout of the bunch.

While tight end Gunnar Helm ended up leading the team in receptions, Golden had the most catches as a wideout with 58 and led the team in receiving yards and TD receptions.

His wide range of skills and solid all-around attributes means he can contribute early to an NFL squad.NFL player comps: Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders; Garrett Wilson, N.Y.

Jets; Michael Gallup, former Dallas Cowboy Cat VasquezMatthew Golden draft profileGolden did not complete all pre-draft workouts and drills.Arm length: 3058 inchesHand Size: 912 inches40-yard dash: 4.29 seconds20-yard shuttle: N/A10-yard split: 1.49 secondsThree-cone drill: N/AVertical: N/ABench press: N/ANotes: Rated as a four-star prospect out of Houston Klein Cain by 247Sports ...

Played for the Houston Cougars for his first two seasons in college ...

Started as a true freshman ...

Transferred to Texas at the end of 2023 ...

Led the Longhorns in receiving yards (987) and touchdown receptions (9) this season ...

Played with NFL wideout Tank Dell at Houston and future NFL draft picks at Texas including Kelvin Banks Jr., Isaiah Bond and Quinn EwersRELATED: Why Chris Del Conte is giving the SEC 'constant heat' over Texas football schedulingMatthew Golden stats by season2022 (with Houston): 11 games played, 38 receptions for 584 yards, 7 touchdown receptions2023: 9 games played, 38 receptions for 404 yards, 6 touchdown receptions, 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns2024 (with Texas): 16 games played, 58 receptions for 987 yards, 9 touchdown receptionsFollow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more.

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