The Green Bay Packers first round pick of wide receiver Matthew Golden was called “outstanding” by the team’s former head coach. 

“Don’t be surprised if he was the highest rated guy on their board,” Mike McCarthy said during a live broadcast of The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. “This is a win-win right here. You’ve got a very highly rated wide receiver at the right time and obviously it gives them a huge boost to their offense.” 

McCarthy then pivoted awkwardly to special teams, seemingly to hint that Golden might be a punt and kick returner. 

“I think special teams is a huge factor in this part of the country,” McCarthy said. “I go back to my days, in my earlier years with Devin Hester. You talk about a guy who kept me up at night. You’re giving up 100 yards of field position every time you play against the (Chicago) Bears during that era, in this type of weather, particularly in November and December.” 

McCarthy marveled at Golden’s speed and called him a “ball plucker.” 

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“I like the body type too. Usually guys that run that fast are a little slight,” McCarthy said. “This guy has a full-balanced body.” 

Former Packer linebacker AJ Hawk, who is a regular part of the McAfee show, agreed the Packers were likely surprised Golden was available to be picked. 

“You kind of have to take him, why wouldn’t you? Especially when you know the kind of reaction you’re going to get from the people,” Hawk said. “Watching this guy’s tape, there’s no question why you would take him in the first round.”

NFL Draft in Green Bay photos

Matthew Golden photos