I cant believe its already time for the rookie premiere, and I could not be more excited. So many previews will be coming this week and we are already getting some of them now. Panini has been very active, as has Topps in showing some of the cards, most of which we have yet to see for the first time.

Panini

Let me put it this way – all the on card stuff for their sets was about as close to a disaster as it could come. Some of them were straight up horrendous. Prestige, Elite, and the on card sets for both were so bad that it almost prevented me from buying singles of the cards that actually looked good.

Last year’s Elite:

2013 Elite Inscriptions – EJ Manuel

2013 Elite Inscriptions – Eddie Lacy

2013 Elite Base Auto – Cordarrelle Patterson

Last year’s Prestige:

2013 Prestige Passports – Tavon Austin

2013 Prestige Road to the NFL – Geno Smith

2013 Prestige Draft Ticket – Le'Veon Bell

This year’s cards:

This year’s stuff looks freaking great. Although we are seeing the effect of a very late draft in all the double zero jersey numbers, the card design makes up for it. Even though we have yet to see a preview for any of the cards that Panini is getting signed, they seem to be keeping things much more open now that the premiere is going. Cant wait to see more.

Topps

So far, Topps has focused more on showing the players than anything. Although we are getting some of the cards, which from a distance look great as usual, im sure there will be many more pics to come. Inception is their top pre-premiere set so far, and from the first looks, they have had a lot more success getting the jersey numbers in there. More to come.

Inception’s design is one that I dont mind the fluent set look through the years. The look is so well done, I think it works extremely well each year. Because Topps’ retouch artists are so good at what they do, its worth buying a box or two just to see what they look like. The inscriptions are going to be back from what I hear, which makes me beyond happy.

Here are this year’s cards:

Ill have more coverage as its available all weekend – keep checking back!