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What Can Matthew Golden Bring to the Dallas Cowboys Beyond His 4.29-Second Speed to Justify Pick 12?

Posted on April 9, 2025 - 1:56 am by

Matthew Golden: Can His 4.29-Second Speed and Hidden Strengths Justify the Cowboys’ No. 12 Pick?

Matthew Golden, the Texas Longhorns wide receiver, blazed onto the NFL scene with a jaw-dropping 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine, earning the title of the fastest wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft class. That elite speed has landed him on the Dallas Cowboys’ radar as a potential No. 12 overall pick, with a meeting scheduled to assess his fit as a WR2 alongside CeeDee Lamb. Yet, doubts linger: can his standout speed—and any additional strengths—overcome concerns about his unpolished route-running skills? And does he truly warrant such a high draft slot when stacked against polished prospects like Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden III? By examining Golden’s full skill set and placing him in the context of NFL history, we can unravel whether he’s a diamond in the rough or a risky reach for Dallas.

The 4.29-Second Dash: A Game-Changer or a Gimmick?

Speed is a coveted trait in the NFL, especially for wide receivers, and Golden’s 4.29-second mark places him among the elite. For perspective, Tyreek Hill, with an unofficial 4.29-second dash, has turned his velocity into a career-defining weapon, stretching defenses and thriving as a top-tier wide receiver. Conversely, John Ross, who set the Combine record with a 4.22-second run in 2017, faltered with the Cincinnati Bengals due to shaky route-running and limited adaptability. These contrasting tales underscore a key truth: speed is a powerful asset, but without complementary skills, it can falter. Golden’s 2024 season at Texas showcased his ability to be a “deep threat,” blowing past defenders on long routes. But reports suggest his route-running—crucial for short and intermediate plays—lacks the finesse needed to deceive savvy NFL cornerbacks. Can his speed alone carry him, or does he have more to offer?

Beyond Speed: What Else Does Golden Bring?

Golden isn’t just a one-trick pony. Beyond his 4.29-second speed, he possesses traits that could offset his route-running shortcomings and bolster his case for the No. 12 pick:

Big-Play Ability: Golden’s knack for explosive plays makes him a potential game-changer. His deep-ball prowess could fill a void left by Amari Cooper’s departure three seasons ago, giving Dak Prescott a weapon to stretch defenses and ease pressure on Lamb.

Leadership and Character: Praised for his intangibles at Texas, Golden brings a strong work ethic and locker-room presence—qualities the Cowboys, under Jerry Jones, often prioritize in high draft picks. This suggests he’s coachable, a critical factor if Dallas aims to refine his skills.

Reliable Hands: While his route-running draws scrutiny, there’s no evidence of significant drops or catching issues in college or at the Combine. Paired with his speed, steady hands could make him a dependable target on quick strikes or deep shots.

Developmental Upside: As a young talent from a top-tier program like Texas, Golden has room to grow. With NFL coaching, his raw speed could evolve into a broader skill set, much like CeeDee Lamb’s transformation from prospect to star.

These attributes hint that Golden offers more than just a flashy 40-yard time. But are they enough to justify a top-12 selection?

Route-Running Concerns: A Dealbreaker?

Route-running is the lifeblood of an NFL wide receiver, especially in a league where defenses are smarter and more complex than ever. A player who can’t shake coverage with precise cuts or versatile patterns risks being neutralized, no matter how fast they are. Critics note that Golden excels on go-routes but struggles with the nuance required for shorter plays—the exact scenarios where Dallas needs a WR2 to complement Lamb’s all-around game. Compared to Tetairoa McMillan (a 6’5” red-zone beast) and Luther Burden III (an agile, route-savvy prospect), Golden’s one-dimensionality stands out. Without improvement—perhaps shown in private workouts—he could be relegated to a situational role rather than the dynamic partner the Cowboys seek.

Historical Context: Lessons from Speedsters Past

NFL history offers both inspiration and caution. Tyreek Hill’s blend of speed, route-running, and hands made him a superstar, proving that raw athleticism can be honed into greatness. John Ross, however, floundered as a high pick due to his inability to diversify beyond speed. Darrius Heyward-Bey, taken No. 7 overall by the Raiders in 2009 with a 4.30-second dash, similarly disappointed when his complementary skills lagged. Golden sits at a crossroads: he could follow Hill’s path with the right development or echo Ross and Heyward-Bey if his growth stalls. For the Cowboys, who need immediate impact around Prescott and Lamb, banking on potential carries risk.

Pick 12 Dilemma: Golden vs. the Field

The No. 12 pick is a premium slot for Dallas, a team desperate to bolster its NFC East contention. Some scouts view Golden as a “reach” at this spot, arguing his value aligns more with late Round 1 or Round 2, where teams can afford to nurture raw talent. McMillan’s height and contested-catch ability make him a safer instant contributor, while Burden III’s polish offers versatility Golden lacks. Yet, Golden’s big-play potential, character, and upside could tempt a Cowboys front office known for bold swings. His speed alone addresses a glaring need for a deep threat, but his fit hinges on whether Dallas trusts its coaching staff to round out his game—or opts for a more finished product.

Conclusion: Speed Plus Potential—Enough for Dallas?

Matthew Golden’s 4.29-second speed is a headline-grabbing asset, but it’s his additional strengths—big-play flair, leadership, reliable hands, and growth potential—that could tip the scales in his favor. These traits offer hope that he can overcome his route-running deficiencies, but the clock is ticking to prove it in pre-draft meetings and workouts. At No. 12, the Cowboys face a gamble: Golden could be the explosive WR2 they’ve missed since Cooper, or a project whose ceiling falls short of immediate needs. Compared to McMillan and Burden III, he’s less polished but brings rare dynamism. If Golden convinces Dallas he’s more than a speedster—transforming his raw gifts into a complete package—he might just justify the hype. Otherwise, his 4.29 seconds, no matter how dazzling, could remain a tantalizing “what if” in Cowboys lore.