After it was a strength last season, the Jets wide receiver corps became a significant weakness.
Garrett Wilson continues to be the Jets top wideout, but Davante Adams was released earlier this month after just 11 games with the team.
Some draft analysts have predicted that the Jets will select a receiver seventh overall in next month’s NFL Draft. However, not many have them taking one of the fastest-rising prospects, Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden.
Golden’s stock was already rising after his performance during the second half of last season and the College Football Playoff. In 16 games after transferring from Houston, Golden led the Longhorns with 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns.
However, Golden’s lightning-quick 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine got the attention of scouts and coaches. In Indianapolis earlier this month, Golden recorded a blistering time of 4.29 seconds, the fastest among all wide receivers. Only Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston (4.28) finished with a faster time during this year’s combine.
Now, Golden could potentially be the first receiver selected in April’s draft, which should put him in play for the Jets at No. 7. While many are excited about his exceptional speed, Golden is more than just a fast runner.
“I would say my route running and the catch point,” Golden said during the NFL Combine. “Being able to attack the ball, wherever the ball is. Being able to play inside and outside.”
At 5-11, 191 pounds, Golden is a big-play receiver who creates separation with his superb route running. Although his size may not suggest it, Golden can make plays from the X, Y, and slot positions.
“I can play inside and out,” Golden said. “You can move me anywhere.
“I can get open at any phase, at any level. Just understanding the game and seeing whatever the team.”
During the postseason, Golden came up huge at the right time. He recorded eight catches for 162 yards during a 22-19 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship. He followed that up with a seven-catch, 149-yard performance in the Peach Bowl victory against Arizona State.
Golden is also great at going up for contested catches. He has the athletic ability to jump against any defender and bring the ball down at its highest point.
“Golden has average size, but he plays with tremendous polish, instincts, and toughness,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said about Golden during his prospect rankings. “He spends a lot of time operating out of the slot. He can defeat press coverage with quickness or strength.
“He understands how to tempo routes and sets up defenders down the field. He can change gears when the ball goes up and he tracks it naturally. He does a nice job of staying grounded through the catch when working on crossers. He has the utmost confidence in his ball skills.
“After the catch, he is very strong/sturdy to pull through tackles and he can make defenders miss in space. I love his temperament on the field — he plays with an edge. Overall, Golden doesn’t have dynamic traits, but he’s a natural football player and a quarterback’s best friend.”
With a new quarterback in Justin Fields and Wilson, Golden could flourish in Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s system. The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract earlier this month.
If the Jets offense is anything like the Lions offense of the last couple of seasons, it wants to be a physical team, run the football effectively, and have game-breakers on the outside. Wilson is undoubtedly that, and Golden would be an excellent complement either on the outside or in the slot.
Golden will put opposing defenses on their heels as he has the ability to have explosive, vertical plays at in given moment.
Outside of Wilson, the Jets have Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, and Malachi Corley in its receiver corps. Adding a player like Golden, who could line up in various roles, should improve an offense that finished 24th in yards (310.3) and 25th in points per game (19.9).