3 ideal 'fits' for LA Rams worth trading up for in the 2025 NFL Draft

(1) - WR Matthew Golden

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden was never a former teammate of Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington, despite the fact that they both played for the Texas Longhorns. The reason for that is that Matthew Golden transferred to play for Texas in 2024, after Whittington had already been drafted by the Rams. While never teammates, you can still anticipate that Golden emerging from the same college offense will yield similar positive results on the Rams offense.

Golden stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 191 pounds. He is a bit larger than veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell, but his 4.29-second 40-yard dash time is ever so slightly faster than Atwell's 40 time of 4.32 seconds. And it's that combination of size and speed that projects him as a consensus Top-5 wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.

But is he the best wide receiver in this class? Ah yes. That's where the controversy begins.

In terms of offensive versatility, Matthew Golden buries the needle. With his size and speed, he can line up anywhere in an offense and create mismatches. And his speed has prompted college coaches to use him extensively as a kick returner. He averaged 25.8 yards per kickoff return, as well as scoring twice on returns. So yes, he is a dangerous threat to score as soon as a football is in his hands.

Golden brings an entire arsenal of route-running tricks to his game, despite the fact that he can win on speed alone. He changes his tempo like a baseball pitcher. Sometimes he throws a fastball to blaze past defensive backs. Sometimes he tosses a change up to throw them off balance. Sometime he throws them a curveball with a head bob, a double move, or a quick cut that creates instant separation.

Golden suffered injury in 2023 which has created some medical flags that must be cleared. Despite playing three year in college football, he never shattered the 1000+ receiving yards plateau. And at his size, there are legitimate concerns about his ability to sustain availability in the very physical NFL.

Golden has elite potential. But he needs coaching to unlock his optimal self. That is why he is such an ideal fit in the Rams offense. WR Coach Eric Yarber will set the highest bar of expectations, and will not coddle Golden with easy practices. Another team may select Golden long before the Rams step up to the podium. And even if the team tries to trade up, it's unlikely that they will find a partner willing to descend to the 26th overall pick in this draft.

But anything goes on draft day. The Rams front office may view Matthew Golden as the unattainable Golden Chalice, which prompted it to extend WR Tutu Atwell. Still, where there is a will, there is a way.

If the Rams emerge with any one of these offensive weapons, the offense is perfectly poised to be among the Top-15 scoring offenses in 2025. If the team emerges with two or more, look out. These players may be rookies, but if the Rams are willing to allow them opportunities this season, they will come through. Still, it's the luck of the lottery that will determine if any of these prospects are within reach of the Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft.

As always, thanks for reading.

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