Steelers Land Blazing-Fast Texas WR in Latest Mock Draft
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden turned heads at the NFL Combine by posting a blazing-fast 4.29 (official) 40 time. Golden, who could be an option for the Steelers in the first round, certainly improved his draft stock this weekend.
In Pro Football Focus’ post-combine mock draft, they have the Steelers landing Golden at 21st overall.
“Golden was a blazer in the 40-yard dash, posting a position-best 4.29-second time. The crazy part is that top speed isn’t even why he wins as a receiver; he wins with good routes, quick footwork and reliable hands,” Trevor Sikkema of PFF wrote. “Throw in that elite speed, and I don’t think he will get out of the first round. He even has a chance to be the first receiver off the board.”
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Golden proved at the Combine that he’s the best receiver in this year’s class. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum also thinks Golden is without a doubt the best wide receiver in the draft.
“Teams won’t pass on the speed/route-running ability,” Tannenbaum wrote.
Pairing Golden with George Pickens would give the Steelers an ideal 1-2 punch at the wide receiver position, which is somehing that has been clearly lacking the last few years.
Golden met formally with the Steelers at the Combine. Golden said that they didn’t talk much ball but it gave him an opportunity to let them know his story and who he is as a person.
Golden is a junior who played one season at Texas after transferring from Houston in 2024. The 6-foot, 195-pound Houston native saw his stock rise dramatically late in the 2024 season. As Texas made a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals, golden was a key part of the Longhorns’ offense.
He had his two best games of the season on Dec. 7 in the SEC Championship Game against George, when he caught eight passes for 162, and then in Peach Bowl against Arizona State, when he caught seven passes for 149 yards and one touchdown.
Golden’s average position at NFL Mock Draft Database was No. 225 on Dec. 24, but he’s skyrocketed since and now sits as the No. 39 players on the consensus big board.
RELATED: Steelers Projected to Land Texas WR in NFL.com Mock Draft
Ohio State star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka had a formal interview with the Steelers at the Combine, which was run by head coach Mike Tomlin. Egbuka, who’s from Washington, also said he grew up a Seattle Seahawks fan and idolized Russell Wilson.
Egbuka is considered one of the top wide receivers in this year’s class, and he could be an ideal fit with the Steelers. The former Buckeye has been linked to the Black and Gold in numerous mock drafts this offseason.
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III also met formally with the Steelers at the NFL Combine. Golden, Egbuka and Burden could be options for the Steelers in the first round.