The Green Bay Packers ended a two-decade drought by selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden with the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 draft, marking the franchise's first first-round receiver pick since 2002.

In contrast, the league has seen a significant influx of first-round wide receivers, with 94 drafted between 2002 and 2024. Notably, LSU has produced the top six first-round rookie receivers in terms of total receiving yards, showcasing its dominance in developing elite talent.

Golden's selection aligns with a historical trend of mixed success for receivers drafted at No. 23 overall; some, like Dwyane Bowe and Jordan Addison, have posted impressive rookie seasons, while others, like Laquon Treadwell, have floundered. Only 13 out of 94 first-round receivers exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in their rookie season, emphasizing the difficulty of making an immediate impact in the league.