The Detroit Lions reportedly hosted Texas WR Matthew Golden—one of the top skill position players—for a pre-draft visit.
Much of the conversation surrounding the Detroit Lions and who they may pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is focused on the offensive and defensive lines, but the team is doing their due diligence on one of the best skill position prospects this year’s class has to offer. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Lions hosted Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden for a pre-draft visit over the weekend.
After two modest seasons at the University of Houston, Golden transferred to Texas and had a breakout season in 2024. He hauled in 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His 17.0 yards per reception was just outside the top-10 in the country among receivers with at least 50 catches.
At 5-foot-11, 191 pounds, Golden wouldn’t be a natural fit in Detroit’s WR-X role—arguably their biggest need at the position considering veteran Tim Patrick, 31, is on a one-year deal. However, Golden is a speedster and a big-play machine. Golden ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine (4.29) and his 1.49 10-yard split tied for fastest among all positions.
And despite the short stature, he plays physically and attacks the ball while it’s in the air. His ability to track the pass is right there up with the best of them:
Matthew Golden will test well at the Vertical Jump. pic.twitter.com/LD5vY4Blvx
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) February 27, 2025
As for his speed, he utilizes that well to create separation, both on the deep shots (13 deep catches in 2024, eighth-most), and when it comes to creating separation on concise routes over the middle. In addition to that, he’s a threat on special teams. He had two kick return touchdowns in 2023 with Houston, and averaged 20.4 per return last year with Texas.
There are some questions about his ability to block, although it doesn’t appear to be an effort thing with him. That could be taught up in Detroit.
But where would he fit in Detroit? There’s a lot of overlap in his skillset with Jameson Williams, who is likely to get his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract for the 2026 season. However, general manager Brad Holmes wouldn’t commit to any long-term plans with Williams.
“In terms of extension, again, there’s a lot of extensions that are hopefully coming,” Holmes said. “But it’s just one that you just don’t know what’s going to happen from a financial standpoint. Because a wide receiver, it’s expensive. It’s very expensive. Look, these are good problems to have.”
On top of that, coach Dan Campbell said he was thinking about getting younger at the wide receiver position .
“We would love to bring in more competition, particularly some youth. That would help, and let them all mix it up. Get in there and see where it all falls,” Campbell said.
Another big question is whether Golden would even be available when the Lions are on the clock. Some outlets have him as the second-best receiver in this class, and that would mean Detroit would likely have to move up to grab him. That said, PFF has him as their 27th best prospect in the draft, just a pick short of Detroit’s 28th overall selection.