No prospect has increased their pre-draft stock throughout this process as Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden has. Golden ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any wideout at this year's NFL Combine with a blazing-fast 4.29-second result, establishing himself as a top 20 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a breathtaking showcase after he produced 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns this past season.
Golden recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Golden discussed his success at the NFL Combine, his upcoming Pro Day, being a detailed three-level route runner, and so much more.
JM: You decided to transfer from Houston to Texas ahead of the 2024 season and you exploded, recording career-highs in every major receiving category, totaling 58 catches for 987 yards and nine TDs. What do you think it was about your mindset and approach that allowed you to acclimate immediately?
Matthew Golden: I went to Texas with a chip on my shoulder. I always go out there feeling like I have something to prove. I attack each day by handling my business. I stayed focused both mentally and physically. I went out there and played fast. It led to good results for me.
JM: You certainly carried that momentum over to the NFL Combine as well. You ran the fastest 40 of any WR in attendance (4.29), the second-fastest time overall. I imagine you were thrilled with that number.
Matthew Golden: Yeah, I was definitely thrilled. I knew I was going to run fast. I had a lot of people asking me what I was going to run. I just told them I was going to run fast (laughs). I knew I could do it, but to actually go out there and achieve that, it was an incredible feeling.
I took advantage of my opportunity to show everyone what I can do. It was a huge blessing.
JM: Were scouts surprised by that 4.29? Or were they expecting that number?
Matthew Golden: I definitely feel like I surprised a lot of people. I guess a lot of scouts were questioning my speed. I’m glad I was able to put those questions to bed by going out there and showcasing myself. I’m looking forward to everything that’s in front of me now.
JM: You answered that question in a major way. Going back to Texas, how did iron sharpen iron at practice? You had some special groups at wide receiver and cornerback.
Matthew Golden: Having that deep receiver room made me go out there and compete every single day. You had to put your best foot forward at every practice. We had a great defense as well, like you said. Going against somebody like Jahdae Barron or Andrew Mukuba, you’re seeing the best of the best on every rep.
I feel like they helped me sharpen my all-around skill set. It happened naturally throughout the season.
JM: Does Matthew Golden have a favorite route to run?
Matthew Golden: I would definitely choose a post route or a choice route. I love running anything from the slot as well.
JM: You run great routes to all levels, short, intermediate, and deep. But having averaged 17 yards per catch and running a 4.29, I'm gonna assume taking the top off is your preference.
Matthew Golden: It definitely is (laughs). I always have the ability to take the top off the defense. That’s in my bag at all times. Whatever Texas needed me to do though, I was willing to do it. At times, I was the one running routes underneath the coverage while somebody else took the top off.
I accepted whatever role Texas had for me. I took a lot of pride in helping our offense.
JM: You ran routes to all three levels. How do you approach man coverage differently from zone?
Matthew Golden: I have a mentality that tells me I have to win no matter what. I’m always telling myself that if it’s man coverage, I’m going to win. If it’s zone coverage, I have to find the soft spots in the defense. I have to sit down in an open zone for my quarterback.
JM: Did you interview with any teams formally at the NFL Combine, and do you have any team visits coming up?
Matthew Golden: I had a few formal interviews at the NFL Combine. As far as visits go, I have a couple on the schedule. We’re still sorting through all that. I’ve been focused on training for my Pro Day.
JM: When is Pro Day, and what are you looking to prove to scouts?
Matthew Golden: Pro Day is Mar. 25. I’m excited to get out there and run some routes. I want to show scouts I can do that at a high level. I’m not just running fast in a straight line. I’m really a detailed route-runner. I’m excited to put on a show for the coaches in attendance. I’m ready to highlight my skill set.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. When a team uses a first-round pick on Matthew Golden, what kinda guy are they getting?
Matthew Golden: You’re going to get a dog. I’m ready to come in and compete. I’m very coachable. I’m going to approach every day with that same chip on my shoulder.
I’m coming for everything. I have a special amount of confidence at receiver.
