Los Angeles Chargers Draft Texas' Matthew Golden To Help Quarterback Justin Herbert?

As mock drafts continue to pour in from NFL analysts, most scouts believe the Los Angeles Chargers still should add to their wide receiver room to help former Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert. Can Tetairoa McMillan or Matthew Golden be the pick?

Kyron Samuels | Mar 24, 2025

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, hugs Los Angeles Chargers quarterback and former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert during the Oregon football’s Pro Day Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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As NFL mock drafts continue to flood in from NFL analysts, one thing remains certain, most people believe the Los Angeles Chargers still should add to their wide receiver room to help former Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert, going into his sixth season already, is no longer a young up and comer, he’s a veteran that should be inching towards his prime with an accomplished history already. Ensuring the talent around him is sufficient is imperative.

In a recent ESPN mock draft, the Chargers were spotted to select Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden. In a recent NFL.com mock draft, Los Angeles selected Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Both players are consensus top-32 on the big board and have first-round grades from virtually all analysts and most teams. Either addition would be welcomed, but which one reigns supreme?

Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“The Chargers could complete their WR room rebuild by taking Golden. They brought back Mike Williams this month, but Ladd McConkey still needs a real game breaker opposite him in this offense. Golden emerged as the go-to option in Texas' offense last season (987 receiving yards and nine TDs) then turned heads with his 4.29-second run in the 40 at the combine.” said an ESPN draft analyst.

“His big-play chops and stellar route running would pair well with McConkey's reliable chain-moving traits. Los Angeles pivoted more toward the passing game in the second half of last season, and giving quarterback Justin Herbert another target would open up the aerial attack even more in 2025.” the analysts said in closing.

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Golden’s athletic ability and sure hands both in the intermediate and vertical passing game would be a welcomed addition to the Chargers wide receiver room. As for McMillan, he offers an entirely different skillset and benefit.

“I won't be shocked if McMillan goes in the top eight picks or if he slides into this section of Round 1. There is a wide range of potential landing spots for the former Arizona star, but the team that drafts him will be getting a receiver with Incredible size, body control and ball skills," an NFL.com analyst stated.

Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) against Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II (1) during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Despite having Mike Williams return, it wouldn’t be a negative to add another big-bodied receiver like McMillan. Although somewhat comparable frame-wise, McMillan offers a run-after-catch ability that Williams quite frankly never possessed even at the college level. McMillan has no weaknesses outside of blinding speed and wiggle at the top of routes, but those aren’t glaring issues either.

McMillan was clocked at a low 4.5 40 at his pro day which is plenty fast for a receiver of his stature. McMillan’s catch radius would also be a huge added benefit for a quarterback like Herbert who doesn’t mind taking big risks. All in all, McMillan would likely be the better fit for the offensive structure. Golden, while a great prospect, offers much of the same ability as Ladd McConkey does. McMillan’s strengths are more desirable for a pairing with Herbert.

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