Cowboys draft: Matthew Golden becoming a popular name connected to Dallas

Matthew Golden and the Cowboys are starting to become tied at the hip

The Dallas Cowboys have had success drafting players in the first round. Since 2010, all of the Cowboys first-round picks have made a combined 40 Pro Bowls, the most of any team in the NFL.

When it comes to their track record of selecting wide receivers in the first round, their history is just as spotless. CeeDee Lamb (4x Pro Bowler), Dez Bryant (3x Pro Bowler), Alvin Harper, and Michael Irvin (5x Pro Bowler) are the last four receivers selected by Dallas. Across the NFL media landscape, six analysts predict that the Cowboys will draft a wide receiver in the first round, two having the same name – Matthew Golden from Texas.

The 5’11”, 195-pound wide receiver from Austin has the potential to unlock the offense for Brian Schottenheimer and can be moved all over the offense in a variety of formations. Texas’ head coach, Steve Sarkisian, was on The Clean Pocket Podcast with Colt McCoy and discussed how Golden’s versatility was one of his biggest strengths.

He’s really versatile because of his strength and because of the strength of his hands and making contested catches,” Sarkisian said. “It’s easy to say make him on the backside, three by one, let him win one one one contested, but he can operate in the middle of the field, he’s not afraid. He can make those contested catches, third and six catches, with a guy on your back, choice route runner things of that nature. I think that’s where he creates value for himself is that versatility. He easily can be a “Z” and a motion guy and be a great blocker at the point of attack because he’s so strong. One of his strengths is his versatility, although he’s got the one thing you know he can rely on and that’s winning one-on-one.

Given the current depth behind CeeDee Lamb, it makes the No. 2 wide receiver even more of a glaring need on offense. Not to mention, the Cowboys have looked stagnant at times during the last few years under Mike McCarthy’s West Coast system.

Golden’s skill set is a solid complement to what Lamb presents as an offensive weapon. They both are moveable chess pieces and can line up anywhere along the offense anytime. The receiver’s versatility is why NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah paired him with Dallas in the first round.

Golden had a scheduled visit with the Cowboys on Thursday, where he met team owner and GM Jerry Jones. The Longhorns wideout was not on the original list Todd Archer reported, but Dallas seems to be highly interested in him, especially after the team already had a formal meeting with him at the NFL Combine.

Drafting an offensive player in the first round would significantly aid Brian Schottenheimer in shaping the offense in his vision. If the Cowboys select Golden with the 12th overall pick, there may not be a better mentor to guide him than Junior Adams, transitioning from the college ranks as the team’s position coach. Adams has helped develop stars like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and others around the league.

It’s only a matter of days before Dallas selects its next class of rookies to add to the roster. Golden is becoming the name to watch, potentially headlining the next crop of Cowboys at 12 overall.