In a league where hype often overshadows substance, there’s one voice that cuts through the noise with surgical precision. Steve Smith Sr. is known for his ruthless honesty. The former Panthers and Ravens wideout has made a second career out of calling it like he sees it, especially when it comes to judging young receivers. So when he gives a glowing endorsement to a college WR, the football world doesn’t just listen—it recalibrates its radar.

That’s exactly what happened with Matthew Golden, a 21-year-old Texas product whose blend of polished routes, strong hands, and explosiveness is beginning to turn heads beyond college football circles. With Smith dropping a rare, no-frills verdict and Jerry Jones personally rolling out the red carpet, Golden’s name is rising fast on the draft boards—and for good reason.

Smith’s verdict on Golden came via Instagram, in a post video where James Palmer and Smith broke down Golden’s plays. Smith goes on to say, “Matthew Golden was the playmaker. When they needed the big play, Matthew Golden was the guy.” ‘The guy? ’ Yep, those are his words. Smith further analyzed Golden’s tape and added, “Great contact balance, showing his athleticism – the thing that comes up to is chain mover – his ability how he comes off the line of scrimmage, he sets up the corner – his aggressiveness to attack and create free access to fight through the holding.” Looks like Smith’s only got love for Golden, no hate at all. As someone who turned a third-round selection into a 14,000-yard career, Smith’s a WR whisperer in the truest sense. His prior breakdowns of now-stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Brandon Aiyuk, and Nico Collins have proven to be prophetic.

Golden racked up 1,975 yards and 21 TDs across three seasons in college football – two with Houston and one with Texas. He plays with a blend of tenacity and finesse. These are qualities that have clearly caught Smith’s sharp eye. His ability to transition in and out of breaks with minimal wasted motion makes him a nightmare for man-coverage. His physicality after the catch adds extra yardage on plays. In a stacked WR class headlined by Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, Matthew Golden isn’t being mentioned as a top-10 pick—but don’t let that fool you. He may not be the biggest name in the draft, but he’s arguably one of the most pro-ready.

Golden posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, and his college football tape shows he’s more than a burner—he’s technical, savvy, and reliable. When compared to others in his projected draft range—like Xavier Worthy or Troy Franklin—Golden stands out. Not just for his athleticism, but for his football fundamentals. He plays like someone who’s already spent a year or two in an NFL system.

Smith’s words do more than flatter—they shift narratives. In today’s NFL landscape, front offices pay close attention to former players-turned-analysts who’ve shown they can spot talent. Smith’s reputation, particularly with WR evaluations, is ironclad. Golden, endorsed by Smith, can be the difference between a third-round or late second-round pick. In a draft where WRs are deep but roles are specific, this kind of vocal support boosts Golden’s appeal as a plug-and-play contributor.

But Golden didn’t just catch a legend’s attention. He recently turned heads in a place where the stakes are even higher—Dallas, Texas.

Jerry’s secret weapon? Matthew Golden visits Cowboys HQ

Just days after the Smith shoutout, Golden shared an image on his Instagram story that has Cowboys Nation in a frenzy—him inside the team facility, grinning in a handshake with Jerry Jones himself. The caption: “Dat Man.” And this isn’t just symbolism. For a team that’s actively reshaping its WR depth, this visit feels calculated.

Historically, Jones – owner of the Dallas Cowboys – only steps into these moments when a prospect truly catches his eye. In fact, last year he played a pivotal role in final decisions around Deuce Vaughn and Jalen Brooks—both of whom brought distinct traits to Dallas. Need more? Remember Jerry’s push with CeeDee Lamb? With Dez Bryant? Golden, with his route-running precision and football IQ, fits that profile perfectly. And if Jerry likes you, he doesn’t just scout—he courts.

Golden’s potential fit in Dallas isn’t just hypothetical—it fills a real need. With Michael Gallup released and Jalen Tolbert still developing, there’s a clear need for depth and future upside at the position. Last year’s rookie Tolbert showed flashes but lacked consistency. Golden, on the other hand, brings a high floor with a surprisingly high ceiling—especially in a Mike McCarthy offense that thrives on timing and route discipline. Moreover, with Jerry Jones historically favoring splash picks and underdog stories, Golden could be this draft’s surprise Day 2 gem.

Golden also visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his polished approach reportedly caught attention from Todd Bowles’ coaching staff. The Bucs are looking to groom talent behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. And Golden’s football IQ made a lasting impression. This isn’t a one-horse race. Golden is generating real league-wide buzz, and teams with aging WR cores are clearly keeping a close eye.

Matthew Golden’s rise is no accident. With Steve Smith Sr.’s seal of approval and Jerry Jones’ personal interest, something becomes crystal clear. This isn’t just a kid with potential. This is a prospect with momentum, endorsement, and real NFL fit. As draft day approaches, don’t be surprised if Golden’s name is called earlier than expected. Whether he ends up donning the star in Dallas or shining elsewhere, one thing’s certain: He’s “the guy”—and the league is beginning to realize it.