We are coming up on one week away from the NFL rookie premiere, possibly the biggest hobby event of the year, minus maybe the Super Bowl. This is the place where the rookies all put on their jerseys and take pictures for cards used all year long, including the controversial jersey swatches most of the companies also use.
The list of players has been released by a website named Fandeavor, although some of them may be subject to change, as there are only 36 of the usual 40 players. More coverage to come as we get closer, keep checking back.
Surprises:
Khalil Mack (Raiders LB) – Defensive guys RARELY perform well in the hobby, especially ones that dont have national followings in their college choice or a team following based on their draft slot. Mack has none of those, and though he may end up being great, it takes a Ray Lewis and Troy Polamalu career to retain value.
2014 Press Pass Khalil Mack Red Ink Inscription Auto
2014 Upper Deck Khalil Mack Auto Star Rookie
Dri Archer (Steelers WR?) – Archer is a guy that may end up strictly on special teams or something like that. He is a tiny player who can run like the wind, but doesnt look like he is going to be an impact guy right away. I dont like this pick as much, but the team affiliation helps.
2014 Upper Deck Dri Archer Auto Letter
2014 Upper Deck Dri Archer Auto Star Rookie
Michael Sam (Rams LB) – So far Sam is off the list, which is disappointing. Like Clowney, he has a national following and lots of interested parties, thus making him an attractive attendee. I would have liked to have seen him there, regardless of his talent level.
2014 Press Pass Showbound Michael Sam Auto Chrome
2014 Press Pass Michael Sam Auto Inscription
Here is the rest of the list:
Davante Adams
Dri Archer
Odell Beckham
Kelvin Benjamin
Blake Bortles
Tajh Boyd
Teddy Bridgewater
Ka’Deem Carey
Derek Carr
Jadeveon Clowney
Brandin Cooks
Eric Ebron
Mike Evans
Devonta Freeman
Jimmy Garappolo
Jeremy Hill
Carlos Hyde
Jarvis Landry
Cody Latimer
Marqise Lee
Khalil Mack
Johnny Manziel
Tre Mason
Jordan Matthews
AJ McCarron
Donte Moncrief
Aaron Murray
Paul Richardson
Allen Robinson
Bishop Sankey
Tom Savage
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
De’Anthony Thomas
Logan Thomas
Sammy Watkins
Terrance West
Score for Jags fans everywhere! Bortles, Marqise Lee, and Allen Robinson! The bandwagon is leaving the station. Jump on while you can. Jacksonville’s arrow is pointing solidly up.
This may be enough for me to buy patch cards worn for three seconds by my favorite new rookies. Maybe.
The rookie event is called the “NFLPA” Rookie Premiere, not “NFL” Rookie Premiere.
Joe Miller…..we dont care if its NFLPA or NFL Rookie Premiere.Get out your Mommys basement and get a life!
This will be an expensive year for Jag fans… I will go broke!!