The Washington Commanders are planning to lean heavily on veteran players for the 2025 season—a logical approach—but they also need to keep an eye on long-term development.
According to Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic, the Commanders are projected to use their first-round pick (No. 29 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft on Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, giving second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels a young weapon to develop chemistry with.
Golden could contribute right away as a WR2 or WR3 next to Deebo Samuel, and potentially grow into the team’s top receiver down the line, possibly taking over for All-Pro Terry McLaurin.
“Among all of Texas’ draft-eligible offensive players last year, Golden arguably made the biggest strides,” Baumgardner wrote on April 7. “He showcased elite speed and the ability to make plays all over the field. His WR1 potential and 4.29-second speed make him stand out.”
Golden draws comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy, another Texas alum, who was selected 28th overall in 2024. Worthy had an impressive rookie campaign, posting 59 catches for 638 yards and 9 total touchdowns. In the playoffs, he added 19 receptions for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns in just three games, including a standout Super Bowl performance with 8 catches for 157 yards and 2 scores in a loss to the Eagles.
If Golden can come close to replicating Worthy’s rookie impact, it would be a major win for Washington’s future.
Commanders Might Be Destined To Draft Golden
Golden spent his first two college seasons at Houston, where he racked up 1,425 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns across 2022 and 2023, earning All-Big 12 honors in 2023.
He transferred to Texas for his final year in 2024, helping the Longhorns reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. That season, he totaled 1,272 all-purpose yards and 9 touchdowns over 16 games, including 58 catches for 987 yards, while also contributing as a kickoff returner.
Across his three-year college career, Golden finished with 22 total touchdowns.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein drew comparisons between Golden and New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave, the 11th overall pick in 2022 who posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.
“Golden has the agility and body control to turn tough passes into highlight-reel grabs,” Zierlein wrote. “While focus drops remain an issue, he’s tough over the middle and showed improved physicality and catch strength in 2024. With starting-caliber traits and a breakout season as a go-to target, Golden has the tools to emerge as a reliable playmaker and potential WR1.”
Drafting Playmaker Late in First Round is Solid Investment
Bringing in a wide receiver like Golden might be a more immediate priority than it initially seems.
With the Commanders facing the need to extend Terry McLaurin before the 2025 season—a deal that could reach three years and $90 million—adding Golden on a rookie contract worth roughly $3 million annually over the next three years could provide valuable financial balance. For a cost-conscious owner or GM, that kind of value pairing would be an ideal scenario.
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