Vikings’ Bitter Foe Ends 23-Year-Long Draft Drought During First Round
For the first time since 2002, when I was just a measly three-year-old lad, the Vikings’ border rival Green Bay Packers have taken a WR in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Aaron Rodgers is rolling over in his darkness retreat, and Vikings, Lions, and Bears fans braced for impact, as the Packers decide it’s finally time to invest legitimate draft capital into the receiving room since Brett Favre was in his age-33 season when they selected Javon Walker out of Florida State. In fact, these Packers, the same ones that seem to have unparalleled luck when drafting (or trading for) QBs (3 legitimate long-term franchise QBs since 1992), have drafted more first-round QBs in that time span (Rodgers and Love) than WRs.
All of that came to an end when a rambling Mark Murphy announced the name of WR Matthew Golden out of Texas was selected by the Gang Green. By the way, thanks again to Mark Murphy for letting everyone know that Packers fans can own the team. Riveting stuff.
Also worth mentioning, the Vikings ended a draft drought of their own; with the selection of guard Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State, this marks their first time drafting a guard in the first round since 1988 when they selected the legendary Randall McDaniel.
The draft was hosted by Green Bay (with a large Vikings-fan presence in the front), and the crowd erupted when they heard that they had finally taken a wideout in the opening round of the event. You would’ve thought you were at Ford Field amongst Lions faithful whenever they witness Dan Skipper run onto the field or when Dan Campbell goes for it on another 4th and 2 by handing it to David Montgomery.
In all seriousness, this is worth noting for us Vikings fans, and fans of the Bears and Lions as well. Something Jordan Love hasn’t had yet is a legitimate WR1. Having a roster full of glorified WR2s and 3s can only get you so far, but Golden is the type of guy that can help take the Green Bay passing attack over the top (no pun intended).
As Vikings loyalists, I know we all dislike the ones who wear cheese on their heads as hats, but this is a great move for them. Matthew Golden is a dude who can make plays all over the field. Not only does he have very crisp route-running and a natural ability to create separation, but he is also a great contested-catch threat.
Adding Golden to the Green Bay receiving core instantly upgrades it, as players like Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs don’t have to cosplay as WR1s anymore, and can play more into their strengths as a supporting cast member.
PFF breaks down new Green Bay Packers WR (and newest Vikings’ defensive annoyance) Matthew Golden:
Golden clocked the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL combine among receivers, and the Packers continue to give quarterback Jordan Love weapons to distribute the ball to. Don’t think of Golden as a speedster, though. He showed impressive ability to defeat press coverage with active hands while showcasing excellent body control on off-target passes. He dropped just four passes in 2024 and was one of the best in the class with a 61.1% contested catch rate.
Matthew Golden joins a division full of very, very good WRs, with names like Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, D.J. Moore, Jordan Addison, and Rome Odunze. One thing the division doesn’t have a ton of is great corners. Jaylon Johnson, Byron Murphy Jr., and Terrion Arnold are notable (as well as Jaire Alexander but it’s not seeming like he’ll on the Packers much longer, though it’s rumored he may join the Vikings), but the talent of the WRs far outweighs the division’s offerings for those who cover them.
This should lead to some big plays and even more good ol’ fashioned fun in NFC North divisional meetings for years to come.
Vikings Continue Emphasis on the Trenches in Round 1