While in the middle of analysis Thursday night as part of ABC’s coverage, former Alabama coach Nick Saban suggested he’d take Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden when the Green Bay Packers were on the clock in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Never mind that the Packers hadn’t used a first-round choice on a wide receiver since 2002.

But 23 years later, general manager Brian Gutekunst was willing to take the plunge and give the thousands of Packers fans somewhat of a splash pick at No. 23 when he selected Golden while the organization was hosting the NFL’s massive spring event.

Saban gave the move very high marks.

Appearing on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” with Scott Van Pelt after the first round was completed, Saban went so far as to call Golden an immediate difference-maker.

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“Matthew Golden going to the Green Bay Packers with Jordan Love needing a weapon, and the Packers being a good team … I think that was the most impactful pick for that team, in their position, to take the next step.”

At the 2024 NFL Draft, Saban said the Packers got a steal when they took running USC running back Marshawn Lloyd in the second round.

Unfortunately, Lloyd injured his hamstring in the preseason and missed almost the entire season.

Packers fans will hope his projection of Golden is more on-point.