After it was a energy final season, the Jets large receiver corps turned a major weak point.
Garrett Wilson continues to be the Jets prime wideout, however Davante Adams was launched earlier this month after simply 11 video games with the workforce.
Some draft analysts have predicted that the Jets will choose a receiver seventh total in subsequent month’s NFL Draft. Nevertheless, not many have them taking one of many fastest-rising prospects, Texas large receiver Matthew Golden.
Golden’s inventory was already rising after his efficiency through the second half of final season and the Faculty Soccer Playoff. In 16 video games after transferring from Houston, Golden led the Longhorns with 58 catches for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Golden’s lightning-quick 40-yard sprint on the NFL Mix acquired the eye of scouts and coaches. In Indianapolis earlier this month, Golden recorded a blistering time of 4.29 seconds, the quickest amongst all large receivers. Solely Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston (4.28) completed with a sooner time throughout this yr’s mix.
Now, Golden might doubtlessly be the primary receiver chosen in April’s draft, which ought to put him in play for the Jets at No. 7. Whereas many are enthusiastic about his distinctive pace, Golden is greater than only a quick runner.
“I would say my route running and the catch point,” Golden mentioned through the NFL Mix. “Being able to attack the ball, wherever the ball is. Being able to play inside and outside.”
At 5-11, 191 kilos, Golden is a big-play receiver who creates separation along with his very good route working. Though his measurement might not counsel it, Golden could make performs from the X, Y, and slot positions.
“I can play inside and out,” Golden mentioned. “You can move me anywhere.
“I can get open at any phase, at any level. Just understanding the game and seeing whatever the team.”
In the course of the postseason, Golden got here up large on the proper time. He recorded eight catches for 162 yards throughout a 22-19 loss to Georgia within the SEC Championship. He adopted that up with a seven-catch, 149-yard efficiency within the Peach Bowl victory in opposition to Arizona State.
Golden can also be nice at going up for contested catches. He has the athletic capacity to leap in opposition to any defender and convey the ball down at its highest level.
“Golden has average size, but he plays with tremendous polish, instincts, and toughness,” NFL Community’s Daniel Jeremiah mentioned about Golden throughout his prospect rankings. “He spends a lot of time operating out of the slot. He can defeat press coverage with quickness or strength.
“He understands how to tempo routes and sets up defenders down the field. He can change gears when the ball goes up and he tracks it naturally. He does a nice job of staying grounded through the catch when working on crossers. He has the utmost confidence in his ball skills.
“After the catch, he is very strong/sturdy to pull through tackles and he can make defenders miss in space. I love his temperament on the field — he plays with an edge. Overall, Golden doesn’t have dynamic traits, but he’s a natural football player and a quarterback’s best friend.”
With a brand new quarterback in Justin Fields and Wilson, Golden might flourish in Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s system. The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract earlier this month.
If the Jets offense is something just like the Lions offense of the final couple of seasons, it needs to be a bodily workforce, run the soccer successfully, and have game-breakers on the surface. Wilson is undoubtedly that, and Golden can be a superb complement both on the surface or within the slot.
Golden will put opposing defenses on their heels as he has the power to have explosive, vertical performs at in given second.
Outdoors of Wilson, the Jets have Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, and Malachi Corley in its receiver corps. Including a participant like Golden, who might line up in numerous roles, ought to enhance an offense that completed twenty fourth in yards (310.3) and twenty fifth in factors per sport (19.9).
Initially Revealed: March 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM EDT
