Packers Legend Randall Cobb Defends Matthew Golden's Rookie Struggles

Cobb cites the early careers of Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams as reasons for patience with the young receiver.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Packers wide receiver making a catch, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.Packers fans hope Matthew Golden can follow in the footsteps of past star receivers like Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson, who also struggled early in their careers.Green Bay Today

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden had a disappointing rookie season in 2025, failing to establish himself as the team's top target. However, former Packers star Randall Cobb is urging fans to be patient with Golden, noting that other legendary Packers receivers like Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams also struggled in their first years in the league.

Why it matters

The Packers invested a first-round pick in Golden, so his development is crucial for the team's future. Cobb's comments provide important context and suggest the organization believes Golden can still become a star, even if his rookie year didn't meet expectations.

The details

Golden was targeted 44 times as a rookie, catching 29 passes for 361 yards and no touchdowns. In comparison, Davante Adams had 66 targets for 446 yards and 3 TDs in his first season, while Jordy Nelson had 54 targets for 366 yards and 2 TDs. Cobb himself had 31 targets for 375 yards and 1 TD as a rookie. The Packers are hoping Golden can follow a similar trajectory and break out in his second season, especially with the departures of Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs.

  • Matthew Golden was drafted 20th overall by the Packers in 2025.
  • Golden had 29 catches for 361 yards and 0 TDs in his rookie 2025 season.
  • Davante Adams had 66 targets for 446 yards and 3 TDs in his 2014 rookie season.
  • Jordy Nelson had 54 targets for 366 yards and 2 TDs in his 2008 rookie season.
  • Randall Cobb had 31 targets for 375 yards and 1 TD in his 2011 rookie season.

The players

Matthew Golden

A 2025 first-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers who struggled in his rookie season, failing to establish himself as the team's top wide receiver.

Randall Cobb

A former star wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers who is now urging fans to be patient with Matthew Golden, citing his own early career struggles as well as those of other legendary Packers receivers.

Davante Adams

A star wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers who also had a slow start to his NFL career, similar to Matthew Golden's rookie season.

Jordy Nelson

A former star wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers who, like Davante Adams, also struggled in his rookie season before developing into a star.

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What they’re saying

“Former #Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb provides some perspective on Matthew Golden's limited targets last season during his rookie year, saying he, Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams experienced the same their rookie seasons”

— Randall Cobb, Former Packers wide receiver

What’s next

With the departures of Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs, the Packers are hoping Matthew Golden can take a big step forward in his second season and establish himself as the team's top receiving threat.

The takeaway

The Packers are remaining patient with 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, citing the early career struggles of other legendary Packers receivers like Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson. This suggests the organization believes Golden can still develop into a star, even if his rookie season did not meet expectations.