The Pittsburgh Steelers definitely want an inflow of younger expertise on either side of the ball. And whereas they’re selecting twenty first within the 2025 NFL Draft, they’ll nonetheless be in a first-rate place so as to add a possible distinction maker. Might they handle the defensive position or goal large receiver?
Dan Parr went within the latter course for the Steelers, giving them WR Matthew Golden from Texas in his first mock draft for NFL.com.
“Whoever is taking snaps at quarterback for Pittsburgh subsequent season might use an upgraded receiving corps,” Parr wrote. “Golden might be the big-play complement to George Pickens that the Steelers have sorely lacked.”
Parr definitely isn’t fallacious in regards to the Steelers’ want for a large receiver. Even strictly from a manpower perspective, the Steelers are more likely to lose a number of receivers to free company. Each Van Jefferson and Mike Williams will likely be free brokers to begin the league 12 months. Even Ben Skowronek, who primarily performs on particular groups, will likely be and not using a contract.
So the Steelers completely want extra gamers on the place merely on a numbers foundation. However additionally they need assistance there from a expertise perspective. They’ve been linked in commerce hypothesis to San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel and Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp this offseason already.
However what would Matthew Golden deliver to the desk? In Jim Hester’s scouting report for Steelers Depot, he highlighted Golden’s route operating and separation talents as large positives in his recreation. I don’t learn about you, however I like the thought of a receiver who runs high-quality routes and will get open.
However maybe Golden’s greatest constructive is his capability to make spectacular catches. He’s obtained an infinite catch radius and tracks the ball extremely properly. So even when a defender has tight protection, Golden can nonetheless make a giant play. Simply take a look at this play towards Georgia within the 2024 SEC Championship Sport.
Matthew Golden👀
pic.twitter.com/lrjYL0Sabq
— PFF School (@PFF_College) December 7, 2024
Someway, Georgia’s nook stayed with Golden on his sudden go-move. However even the tight protection wasn’t sufficient as Golden stretched out to snag the ball simply past the defender’s attain. That form of playmaking is sorely missing within the Steelers’ large receiver room exterior of George Pickens.
Sure, the Steelers will definitely have choices at 21. However Matthew Golden definitely deserves an in depth look as a possible long-term star at large receiver.
