On the Radar: 2016 Prizm Collegiate Draft Picks

Ill start off by saying that I liked the design of 2015 Prizm Football. I think the cards were simple and worked well. I actually didnt think that Prizm draft looked HORRIBLE either. That being said, Prizm draft picks from last year cannot be categorized as anything other than a giant fucking train wreck. Aside from the odd way the product was released, it is now selling at about 1/3 of MSRP, and falling. Boxes are literally being given away at less than 30 bucks a pop.

Here are some examples of sticker heaven:

2015 Prizm Draft Jameis Winston Auto

2015 Prizm Draft Marcus Mariota Auto BGS 9.5

2015 Prizm Draft Todd Gurley Gold Refractor Auto

2015 Prizm Draft Tom Brady Alumnus Auto 1/1

In all of Panini’s infinite wisdom, they have inexplicably decided to bring it back in the same format, only this time with 100x uglier looking cards. Its worth mentioning that Panini will have to release stuff like this all year, alongside new products they will have to build rapidly just to hit minimum guarantees. They are expected to put out 31 plus NFL products per year, and that doesnt even begin to talk about the NCAA ones that are also necessary. When I see what this product looks like, god help us all.

I see ABSOLUTELY no reason to believe that this will end up anywhere but the bottom of the bargain bin, or used as supports for the buckets of tears cried by people who know what Football is in for over the next few years. I would even expect that the print run of this product is going to be built to support the eventual closeout of the remaining unsold wax, something that enrages local shops and buyers.

Most importantly, here we are again with another sticker based pre-draft product. While companies like Leaf and Upper Deck have and will be releasing hard signed sets, Panini seems to be allergic to on card autographs. In fact, I believe Leaf has their first on card product hitting shelves later this month. They may have smaller print runs, but they also seem to be on top of things better than anyone. Oh, and they have Tom Brady.

Lastly, I dont even need to really comment on the designs, because the pictures speak for themselves. Its garbage at best, and at worst, it will turn out to be a bigger fucking disaster than 2015. Panini is going to be the only licensed game in town for football this year, and look at the eye sore they decide to trot out. Visual diarrhea. I am already nauseous over this year, and this doesnt help me chew back the vomit at all.

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