Steelers Hosting Matthew Golden for a Pre-Draft Visit
The Steelers appear to have decided on their top first-round pick for the upcoming NFL Draft. The Steelers attended Texas’ Pro Day in March and met with several players they were considering as potential draft picks this year. The Steelers hosted Matthew Golden for a pre-draft visit on April 3. Each NFL team can host up to 30 pre-draft visits with their top prospects. These visits are typically called “top-30 visits.” The team expressed pro-day interest in Golden and invited him for a pre-draft visit, this is a strong indicator that the team favors him as their first-round pick. In addition to being the Steelers’ top first-round draft pick, Golden is considered to be a likely first-round pick overall. He’s ranked 21st among all this year’s draft prospects.
Golden played for the Houston Cougars before transferring to the Texas Longhorns in 2023. He is five foot eleven and weighs 191 pounds. When Isaiah Bond got injured and was only able to play for a limited time in the College Football Playoffs, Golden became the Longhorns’ top wide receiver. During the 2024 season, Golden caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein states, “Golden can play all three receiver spots.” Golden is also known for his agility. NFL.com gives Golden a prospect grade of six out of a potential eight.
Golden did an excellent job at the NFL Combine. He completed the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds. His 10-yard split time was 1.49 seconds. Golden’s 40-yard dash time was faster than Bond’s. Daniel Jeremiah, draft analyst for the NFL Network, compared Golden to Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former wide receiver, played for the Steelers, the New York Jets, and the Chicago Bears throughout his NFL career. During his time with the Steelers, Holmes received the honor of MVP at Super Bowl XLIII. He caught the game-winning touchdown.
The Steelers already have skilled wide receivers, George Pickens and DK Metcalf. Adding another talented wide receiver would strengthen the Steelers’ offense. The Steelers aren’t the only team impressed by Golden’s performance throughout his collegiate career and at the NFL Combine. Golden has caught the attention of other teams, including the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers have the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cowboys have the 12th overall pick. It will be interesting to see which team lands Golden and how he performs in the first year of his professional career.
