The Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for wide receiver help in the 2024 NFL Draft has been a recurring theme in mock drafts, and for good reason. The team’s passing offense sputtered last season amid inconsistent play, lingering questions surrounding George Pickens’ reliability, and a glaring lack of depth behind him. While Texas wideout Matthew Golden has frequently been projected as a Day 2 pick to bolster the unit, his jaw-dropping performance at the NFL Scouting Combine may have rewritten his draft story.
Golden, often paired with the Steelers as a potential mid-round complement to Pickens, now finds himself in the first-round conversation after blazing a 4.29-second 40-yard dash on Saturday. The time not only shattered expectations but also topped all receivers at the Combine, including his Texas teammate Isaiah Bond, who had boldly vowed to break into the 4.20s. Bond ultimately clocked a 4.39, drawing playful jeers as he exited the track.
What makes Golden’s rise even more compelling is how his game transcends pure speed. While Bond entered the event as Texas’ resident speedster, Golden’s tape reveals a polished, versatile weapon. His agility, crisp route-running, and ability to create separation stood out during his college career, even as Bond garnered more attention for raw explosiveness. Golden thrives against press coverage, excels in contested-catch situations, and plays with a catch radius that belies his 5-foot-11, 191-pound frame.
For the Steelers, Golden’s Combine surge adds a tantalizing layer to their draft strategy. His blend of technical refinement, athleticism, and newfound eye-popping speed could make him too enticing to pass up if he’s available when Pittsburgh picks on Day 1.
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