The 2024 NFL season is set to be one of the most exciting seasons of football in recent memory. The draft has been locked in, and collectors around the world are waiting to be the first to unbox the best rookie prospects of the season—and that’s not all. Fanatics has secured an exclusive deal to distribute rookie autograph cards three years before the expected date.
Combine the exclusive deal with an armada of new QBs, and it’s the perfect storm for collectors.
An Unmissable Season
The Fanatics announcement has been the cherry on top for football fans this year. Panini cards have sustained their high quality during their time with the NFL license, but it’s clear to see that collectors are ready for Fanatics/Topps’ return in 2025.
Here’s why you absolutely shouldn’t miss the upcoming NFL 2024 rookies as a collector.
- The Value of Exclusivity: Exclusivity is one of the best ways to guarantee a card’s long-term value. For buyers, these upcoming cards aren’t just Topps sports cards featuring future QB legends; they’re exclusive first editions that will always be in demand. Imagine having the chance to pick up a 2017 Panini Prizm card of Patrick Mahomes right after his debut!
- Topps Returns: Topps, a Fanatics subsidiary, has built its legacy on auto cards. Topps’ take on the NFL rookie prospects this season is almost certainly going to be worth the wait. Whether it’s a return to the classic Topps Chrome designs or something more out-of-the-box, all bets are off for the NFL 2024 rookie auto cards.
#1: Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams is undoubtedly the star QB rookie of the 2024 draft. Fresh out of USC, Williams’ collegiate performance has already sparked discussions among NFL hawks online, with Adam Jahns praising the QB’s game sense and ability to force new plays.
This 2022 Heisman Trophy winner might have his work cut out for him, considering the Bears’ prior troubles with their offensive coordination. That said, his electrifying playmaking abilities could revitalize a stagnant offense and create excitement around a team in need of a spark. Everyone loves an underdog story.
#2: Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders
Another round 1 pick, Jayden Daniels is easily one of the most promising NFL rookies in 2024. LSU, Daniels’ alma mater, has been on fire when it comes to churning out NFL stars. Joe Burrow has been on a tear since 2020 with the Bengals, and Daniels may just be the latest in a long line of stars.
Few NFL rookie prospects can claim Daniels’ moniker of being a dual-threat. He can run both inside and outside the pocket, adding a dimension to the offense that can be difficult to defend against. This mobility makes him a valuable weapon in today’s NFL, where offenses increasingly rely on quarterbacks who can extend plays with their stature. We can already see his autographed Panini Obsidian card being a hit in the future.
#3: Bo Nix – Denver Broncos
Bo Nix was picked 12th among the 2024 NFL rookies, but his star power has helped level the playing field for him. Nix was, by all accounts, a shoo-in for the draft this year, considering his background. His father, Patrick Nix, was a star collegiate athlete himself, and Bo’s impressive performance, even in high school, was clearly a strong indication of things to come.
Nix’s ability to deal with pressure on the field and create space in tight pockets could set the Broncos up for success this year. Naturally, he’ll have to outperform Stidham and Wilson in the Broncos’ QB competition first.
#4: Drake Maye – New England Patriots
It takes a special kind of player to stand out in this impressive lineup of 2024 NFL rookies, and Drake Maye easily makes the cut. Continuing the trend among NFL rookie prospects this year, Maye also carries an NFL family legacy, with his father playing tight-end for the Jets. Interestingly, Maye has chosen not torely on the family legacy, and he’s already making a name for himself as the third pick of the 2024 draft.
Coaches have been quick to highlight Drake Maye’s leadership qualities both on and off the field, but he’ll have to prove himself immediately at training camp. The QB is currently locked in competition against Jacoby Brissett to be the starter for the season. If Maye comes out on top, we might have a potential elite Topps Dynasty, or Panini Select autographed rookie card contender in the future.
#5: Michael Penix Jr. – Atlanta Falcons
The fifth QB on our list of the top 2024 NFL rookies is the product of another kingmaker: the University of Washington. Michael Penix Jr. is an excellent rookie pick for the Falcons for three key reasons:
- Arm-Strength: Penix Jr. ranks with the best when it comes to pure arm strength, allowing him to make throws with nearly unmatched accuracy and speed. Maye might have been picked before him, but Penix Jr.’s overall accuracy is even better. Ultimately, his performance on the field will be determined by his ability to cope with the pressure.
- Insurance: Insurance probably isn’t the first thing on a collector’s list when they’re looking at NFL rookie prospects, but it certainly played a part in the Penix Jr. pick. This 2024 NFL rookie could have what it takes to fill in for the Falcons while Kirk Cousins recovers from his injury.
- Tenacity: Speaking of injuries, Penix Jr. has already faced his fair share of adversity during his short career. This QB has managed to overcome a torn ACL and dislocated shoulder joints in each arm over the span of just two years. His ability to come back from a disadvantage and perform optimally could make him a future star.
Be The First
Football hobby boxes are set to fly off the shelves as Topps prepares to make its magnificent return in a season packed with some of the most promising rookies in years. Be the first to pull the latest 2024 NFL rookies and skip the hassle of queuing up for new hobby boxes with a sports card store that loves the game as much as you do. Pre-order the latest sports card releases at Giant Sports Cards and Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ at your own pace.
