The Washington Commanders were surprisingly one victory shy of a Super Bowl appearance in quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie season.
No one anticipated that the Commanders would reach the NFC Championship Game, but now that they have, Washington’s front office should look to go all-in. As of now, Daniels’s top two weapons are wide receiver Terry McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz.
While McLaurin has been a strong weapon for years, having the veteran Ertz as the No. 2 threat isn’t ideal for a Super Bowl contender, and Washington is predicted to add a new receiving threat in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Commanders Projected to Pick Matthew Golden in 2025 NFL Draft
Washington heads into the draft with clear priorities: Adding another wide receiver to ease McLaurin’s burden, reinforcing the offensive line, and strengthening its pass rush. Now, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks’ latest mock draft projects the Commanders will target one of college football’s most explosive playmakers with the No. 29 overall pick.
According to DeLeone, Washington could look to sign Texas WR Matthew Golden for Daniels, who finished ninth and with a B grade (85.3) in PFSN’s QB+ metric last season—known for his consistent hands, efficient route running, and impact after the catch. Golden is viewed as the perfect complement to McLaurin’s downfield prowess.
“Understandably looking to build around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders take a playmaker early in this exercise,” Brooks wrote.
Golden started his career at Houston, contributing early with 38 receptions for 584 yards. He also set the Cougars’ true freshman record for receiving touchdowns with seven while finishing second in the nation among freshman receivers in TD receptions.
As a sophomore, Golden started nine games but missed three due to injury. He finished the season with 404 yards and six touchdowns on 38 receptions. He was also recognized as a second-team All-Big-12 kick returner.
Heading into his junior season, Golden entered the transfer portal and went to Texas, where he exploded for 987 yards, 58 receptions, and nine touchdowns. He was a key contributor to Texas’ late-season run in the College Football Playoff, particularly against Arizona State, where he dominated with 149 yards, seven receptions, and one touchdown.
He is the most well-rounded receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, and while he’s not an elite athlete in a singular category, he’s balanced enough to be a fantastic WR2 for Daniels and the Commanders.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Projection For Commanders and Golde
In PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft by Joe DeLeone, the Commanders are projected to be Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka. Here’s what DeLoene writes about the prediction:
“What better way to help out your young quarterback than adding another Ohio State receiver? Emeka Egbuka’s impact in the slot, thanks to his route running and quick feet would be an ideal fit alongside Terry McLaurin.”
Meanwhile, Golden is slipping to the second round and is projected to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders as the 37th overall pick.
“After finding the quarterback of their future, it’s time to find him targets outside of Brock Bowers. Matthew Golden is the most well-rounded receiver prospect in the class, displaying consistent hands, efficient route running, and impact after the catch.”