The Los Angeles Chargers need to use their first-round pick on the most dangerous offensive weapon they can find come April’s draft. That is the consensus amongst fans and several draft analysts.
Mock draft season is here and is barely getting started as there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of mocks between now and late April. Mel Kiper has put out his first mock, as has Daniel Jeremiah. Now it’s time for Bucky Brooks of NFL.com to follow suit.
Brooks is a former player who has become an analyst and is one of the top draft evaluators out there. In his first mock, he has the Chargers taking Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden. Here is his short analysis:
“The Chargers cannot continue to win with Ladd McConkey operating as a one-man show in the passing game. Golden would add speed and playmaking ability to the lineup.”
It’s hard to argue that. As good as McConkey was this past season, breaking records as a rookie, the team needs at least one other consistent option.
Matthew Golden would be a major deep-threat for Justin Herbert
Golden has 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash and can easily blow the top off the defense. After beginning his college career at Houston, he transferred to Texas for the 2024 season and turned himself into a first-round prospect by catching 56 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns in the SEC.
He also made this catch to tie the game and shock Arizona State in the College Football Playoff.
Texas Longhorns WR Matthew Golden has declared for the 2025 NFL draft 👀
The 6 ft receiver showed the world what he could do throughout the 2024 season, where most notably he totaled seven receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown against Arizona State
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) January 13, 2025
Golden is the type of playmaker this team needs. McConkey was huge this past season but Herbert needs a guy who can create separation and explosive plays down the field and no one else currently on the roster is going to do that. Herbert has one of the best arms in the NFL and the Chargers need to give him some guys that can bring out his full potential.
Selecting Golden would accomplish that. While Colston Loveland will remain the team’s most popular first-round pick all offseason in mocks, Golden is a name to keep an eye on.
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