This week, the biggest event of the football card year is set to launch. The NFL’s rookies will descend on Los Angeles to don their pro uniforms for the first time and also coordinate their premiere entry into the hobby. The Rookie Premiere is a huge undertaking that is put on by the card companies and hundreds of partners, and for the most part, signals the beginning of the football season in cards. Here is what to look for this week.

Topps Rookie Premiere Autos

There is one tradition from the weekend that trumps all others, and that is the same day signatures that Topps does for their flagship brand. On Thursday and Friday, as the rookies arrive, they take photographs in their pro jerseys to be printed and signed the following day at the premiere. These cards have been controversial in the past, but now that serial numbers are present on each version, they remain some of the best early cards of any rookie. If last year was any indication, Topps should be previewing them all weekend. They are really the only studio style, helmet off cards, that I buy, only because of the prestige that comes with these rare pulls.

2012 Topps Rookie Premiere Trent Richardson Auto /90

2011 Topps Rookie Premiere Colin Kaepernick Auto /90

Topps Inception

For the last two years, Topps has used the rookie premiere as a place to fill out the ranks for one of the most popular early season products. Inception uses photoshop and special filters to allow for game style pictures on the cards, and the on card autos really make them about as cool as a pre-season autograph can be. Last year’s cards fell a little flat being that the design wasnt changed much year over year, but this year the look seems to be upgraded. These cards really are premium cards that usually arent available until late in the ACTUAL football season, and I would make it a point to see the previews that will likely be posted all weekend long.

2012 Topps Inception Andrew Luck Auto RC

2011 Topps Inception AJ Green Silver Signature Auto

Panini Elite Inscriptions

For as long as I could remember, Panini wasnt really too active on getting on card autos at the premiere until last year. There were some terrible examples here and there, but not many. Last year they went full on, and the Elite Inscriptions were definitely the highlight for me. I thought they turned out awesome on the acetate stock, and they provided big areas for the players to sign and write things. This year, they went with a design I feel is a big downgrade, but its all going to depend on how the finished product looks. I am never a big fan of putting a box around a spot that features an on card auto, as I think that kind of defeats the aesthetic appeal. Who knows, we will have to wait to find out.

2012 Panini Elite Russell Wilson Inscription Auto Acetate

2012 Panini Elite Robert Griffin III Inscription Auto Acetate

Panini Pen Pals

ALthough I absolutely HATE HATE HATE the name of this set, the cards are pretty cool. However, the design has not changed since 2012, but it isnt too big a deal with a good looking composition. These cards are usually pretty sought after, even though they made the switch from being extra hits in National Treasures to being featured hits in Prime Signatures last year.

2012 Panini Prime Signatures Pen Pals – Luck, Griffin, Richardson Autos

Online Giveaways and Local Events

Both of the card companies are huge at doing major giveaways and promotional events for the weekend on Twitter and Facebook, and I doubt that is going to change. I would prepare yourself to frequently check the pages for each company, and also be on the lookout for the events during the weekend if you are in the area. In the past, there have been exclusive signings at local chain stores, and even a flag football event where signatures are well available. Get there early though, they are highly publicized and attended.

New Uniforms

Three teams have new uniforms this year, and this will be the first opportunity to see them in action. Cordarrelle Patterson will be representing the Vikings in their new duds, Dion Jordan for the Dolphins and their redesigned logo and unis, and Denard Robinson for the Jacksonville Jaguars and their new two tone helmets. This is what I will be looking for, as its pretty obvious that these guys know they will be on stage.

On Card Autographs Aplenty

I highlighted four sets above that will all be featured with on card autographs, but there will be PLENTY more where that came from. Topps has already previewed autographs reprinted from the 1986 Topps Set, and Panini will likely have quite a few to use for the release of 2013 Prestige. Although Topps has a much better track record in this department, Panini isnt letting up. I think the 2013 Prestige base design is weaker than its ever been, so I am REALLY hoping these work out some how. They went vertical orientation on a lot of these, but too many of them provide a very small space for the signatures. The throwback minis were a huge hit last year, so Topps needs to bring it this year again.

Stay right here for more updates as the week progresses, I will be doing a daily wrap up as things start to show up.

Back in 2010, Panini put out Crown Royale Football, which contained the first of what has become a staple in all of the sports they produce. These die cut silhouette autograph cards are some of the best cards that Panini produces, with few major exceptions, and they have taken on a life of their own in Basketball. I was literally shocked at how cool of an idea this was.

Although Crown Royale is not its own product, Basketball collectors have embraced the fluid and beautiful design. Coupled with on card autographs and huge swatches, its easy to see why collectors love these cards. They have been getting prices usually reserved for Exquisite patch autos, and that is saying something.

Check out these RIDICULOUS PRICES:

2013 Panini Preferred Anthony Davis Prime Silhouette Auto /25

2013 Panini Preferred Kyrie Irving Silhouette Auto /99

2013 Panini Preferred Bradley Beal Prime Silhouette Auto /25

2013 Panini Preferred Harrison Barnes Prime Silhouette Auto /25 – Ill be honest, never heard of this guy, and look at the price.

2013 Panini Preferred Andre Drummond Prime Silhouette Auto /25 – Again, no idea who this guy is, and it got a crazy price.

2013 Panini Preferred Tobias Harris Silhouette Prime Auto /25 – Craziest of the bunch, sold for more than an Andrew Luck 1/1.

In 2010 and 2011 Crown Royale football, I raved about these cards, especially when they added beautiful hard signed autographs to the mix. Panini Preferred adopted the idea in their sets, and the high end focused market in basketball LOVED them – reaching humongous prices for the patch versions. Even the players you wouldnt expect get a ton of money.

When 2012 Crown Royale football was previewed, I couldnt wait to see how the cards would change for the biggest rookie class in decades. To say I was disappointed with the horrid design is like saying Justin Bieber is only KIND of a douche. The fluid design was replaced with compartmentalized pictures and ugly colored foil embellishments, with a giant white box for the autographs. Before, the autographs were a compliment to the silhouetted picture, but these autographs might as well have been a sticker. They were THAT hideous.

Panini still hasnt made the most of their basketball license in my opinion, even in the slightest. With the money they are spending for the exclusive rights, its pretty sad that many collectors would much rather bust one of Upper Deck’s college products. It seems very clear that Panini doesnt understand what Basketball collectors thrive on, and cards like these silhouettes prove the situation. More products should be done with huge patches and great designs, and so far, Panini has vastly underwhelmed.

Maybe this is the future, maybe its just a fluke as usual with Panini’s stuff.

Every year, I have two favorite sets that never disappoint. One of them is Topps Five Star, which I usually have to wait until April and May to enjoy. The other is Topps Chrome, which has been a favorite of mine since I started collecting. I have always gravitated to the way the cards look, especially with the refractors and autographs that have made it the chase set of the year at less than 100 bucks a box. This year, a few things have changed, but overall it looks like Chrome can be a winner even without a strong class.

After seeing the previews, im hoping it can live up to my favorites from last year:

2012 Topps Chrome Andrew Luck 1984 Auto On Card /15

2012 Topps Chrome Robert Griffin III Auto Red Refractor /5

2012 Topps Chrome Trent Richardson Black Refractor Auto /25

The biggest thing that caught my eye is the addition of veteran autographs on the base design. Well, let me say it COULD be veteran autographs on the base design. Leftover RGIII stickers or stickers from the 2012 class isnt as exciting as guys like Aaron Rodgers or Adrian Peterson having autographs in the product, but we havent seen enough of a checklist to see the extent to which they will be included. There have been autographs from non-rookies in Chrome before, but never on the base design. The checklist of veterans is usually confined to an insert set, and I have been begging for close to three years for that to change. If the previews for Topps Football and the Roddy White they showed is any indication, there hopefully will be a good amount of these.

Looks like we are also going to be getting adjusted pictures on the 1986 autos, which will be same day shots from the premiere in Topps Football, and game shots in Chrome if everything holds true. This should be a pretty awesome continuity program over the sets if Topps decides to continue using it – something I DEFINITELY hope they do.

Lastly, there have been rookie die cut cards used pretty extensively over the course of many products, including Chrome last year, and looks like they will be back again. They look pretty cool and look to have on card autographs for the first time. That is a welcome change over the stickers from last year.

For the last two years running Chrome has produced extremely high end cards for a very small price in the box. The Chrome Superfractor autos have become the highest valued chase cards of the entire season, and that only speaks further to this product’s capabilities in the market. This will be one of the first products after the start of the NFL season, and that always plays well to how it performers. Last year’s set is over 200% more valuable than its original price, as is 2011, and this year should be similar if the class performs on the field. Either way, the cards look awesome.

When 2012 Topps Archives baseball was announced early last year, I was intrigued. When it came out and we saw what it was all about, I was enthralled. Now that its sister product in 2013 Topps Archives Football is out, I cant wait to see if it lives up to the precedent set by its predecessor. Right now, we are only seeing the retail version of the set, but the hobby version looks to be much more stacked.

Here is what is up so far:

2013 Topps Archives Montee Ball Auto

2013 Topps Archives Russell Wilson 1976 Throwback Gold Sparkle Parallel

2013 Topps Archives Andrew Luck 1962 Topps Jersey Relic

2013 Topps Archives Robert Griffin III 1986 Throwback

2013 Topps Archives Ickey Woods Reprint On Card Auto

I like that 2013 rookies will eventually be included in this product, as they add another level of complexity. However, this is not a set one would buy for the autographs or relics, as much of the signature checklist is composed of guys similar to the way it was done in baseball. Luckily, all the fan favorite autographs should end up being on card, which makes this the first lower end set with non-rookie hard signed cards in almost 3 years. Kudos and a half to Topps on that one.

They chose some of the best designs in Topps history for the reprints, which is perfect in every way. The 1985 and 1986 sets were some of the best ever, and the 1976 design is about as iconic as it gets. If only there were more autographs available on card for these subsets, and I would be in heaven.

Seriously, I have no idea why Topps has waited THIS long to take advantage of its iconic history in football. Last year was the first year that an iconic design was used for the base flagship and chrome set in a reprint auto type of fashion, and from all accounts, it was very well received. Its back again for 2013 in the flagship, and I think that it will be better than ever. My whole thing is that this needs to be done more often, but with an expanded veteran and retired presence. Topps Archives is the tip of this iceberg, and I hope we get to see how far down it goes.

As more of this product becomes known and live, ill post updates.

At this point in the football side of the hobby, only one position carries value on a consistent basis – the Quarterbacks. When the 2013 Rookie Premiere list was announced today, its easy to see that there is going to be a black hole of value in boxes prior to the season starting. With only 1 QB drafted in the first round and the bigger QB prospects going in the 3rd and 4th round after that, this is not going to be easy until the rookie start to separate themselves on the field.

There are two things for this year that surprise me – the inclusion of 40 guys on the list compared to 35 last year, and the addition of some defensive players for the first time in a while. This is what usually happens when non skill players get invited:

2007 Joe Thomas Draft Day Ink Auto – Arguably the best left tackle in the game, no value.

2007 Darrelle Revis SP Authentic Auto – Arguably the most popular corner in the game, this is the MOST an auto will ever be worth.

2012 Jared Allen National Treasures Auto Patch – Same thing for Allen and his auto

Here is the thing, everyone already knows that there will always be questionable talent invited to the premiere, as later round skill players always take precedent over early round defense and non-skill. In fact, if you look back at the class from 2007, only a handful of the guys are still in the league, and Gaines Adams has even tragically passed away. The premiere is a talent crap shoot in the truest sense of the word, but my point is more to do with the strength of the overall class in tow.

In terms of the defensive players – Manti Teo, as I said when the preview list was leaked, should be going. His signature sells very well. Dion Jordan on the other hand, should not be invited. I was surprised to see how much he is selling for, which is probably why the decision was made> However, defensive linemen just dont sell at a sustained level at all, and that is being generous. They have to achieve ridiculous accomplishments, or their autos sell like this. I would have much rather had a 2 dollar auto in a skill player present over a two dollar auto of a lineman. At least the skill player is more likely to see production that many people in the hobby will assign value to their cards. See what happens in the case of a guy like Victor Cruz – an undrafted free agent.

Here is the final list, interested to hear what people think.

Keenan Allen
Tavon Austin
Stedman Bailey
Montee Ball
Matt Barkley
Le’Veon Bell
Gio Bernard
Knile Davis
Aaron Dobson
Tyler Eifert
Andre Ellington
Zach Ertz
Gavin Escobar
Jonathan Franklin
Mike Gillislee
Mike Glennon
Marquise Goodwin
DeAndre Hopkins
Justin Hunter
Landry Jones
Dion Jordan
Eddie Lacy
Marcus Lattimore
EJ Manuel
Vance McDonald
Christine Michael
Ryan Nassib
Cordarrelle Patterson
Quinton Patton
Joseph Randle
Jordan Reed
Denard Robinson
Geno Smith
Kenny Stills
Stepfan Taylor
Manti Te’o
Markus Wheaton
Terrance Williams
Tyler Wilson
Robert Woods