The Detroit Lions are taking a hard look at wide receivers ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft — and over the weekend, they hosted one of the most electric playmakers in the class.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden visited the Lions, giving the front office and coaching staff a closer look at a potential first-round target.
That’s right — while Golden may not be a consensus top-20 pick, don’t rule out the Lions using the No. 28 overall pick on him if they fall in love with what he brings to the table.
Golden’s Game Has First-Round Traits
After transferring from Houston to Texas, Golden exploded for a career-high 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. He has the kind of speed, route-running, and after-the-catch ability that NFL teams crave in today’s pass-heavy offenses.
He’s not just a big-play threat — he’s a polished, versatile weapon who could thrive in Detroit.
Where He Fits in the Lions’ Offense
The Lions already have Amon-Ra St. Brown as their steady WR1, and they’re counting on Jameson Williams to take another step forward in 2025. But beyond that, the depth chart is open for competition.
Golden could step in as a complementary third receiver right away, with the skill set to line up inside or outside. He’d give Jared Goff (or whoever’s under center long-term) another explosive option in the passing game — and he fits the mold of a Brad Holmes-style draft pick: productive, athletic, and ascending.
Could He Go at No. 28?
Some mock drafts have Golden landing early in the second round, but the Lions clearly see something they like — enough to bring him in for a visit. If Detroit decides they don’t want to wait and risk missing out, pulling the trigger at No. 28 isn’t out of the question.
And if history tells us anything about Brad Holmes, it’s that he won’t hesitate to take “his guy” — regardless of consensus rankings.
The Bottom Line
Matthew Golden visiting Detroit isn’t just smoke — it’s a signal that the Lions are seriously exploring their wide receiver options early in the draft. Whether he’s in play at No. 28 or a potential Day 2 steal, one thing’s for sure: Golden is firmly on Detroit’s radar.
