When collecting NFL cards, it’s impossible to resist the rookie quarterbacks.
But, picking the right quarterback isn’t always a guarantee. There have been plenty of busts over the last decade, but there also have been plenty of quarterbacks that have panned out.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, five quarterbacks were selected in the first-round. Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones all went in the first-round.
I break down my top 5 favorite rookie quarterbacks cards you should invest in 2021!!
1. QB Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars
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Some have compared Trevor Lawrence’s card value to Zion Williamson’s. Both highly anticipated first-overall picks, with loads of potential. Both have been considered to be stars in their respected sports, since they were in high school.
Lawrence was the first-overall pick in the Draft, and some believe that he was the highest graded prospect since Andrew Luck. Everyone remembers what Lawrence did his freshman year at Clemson? Since then, people have been in love with his game. He really is someone that’s just fun to watch, in a number of different levels.
But, Trevor Lawrence is someone everyone should pay attention to early on in the NFL season. He’ll be one of the first rookie quarterbacks to take the field. He’ll have a lot on the line in year one, but I advise people to buy in on Trevor Lawrence.
2. QB Trey Lance - San Francisco 49ers
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Trey Lance can certainly sling the football, and he was fortunate enough to get drafted into this situation. The 49ers were in the Super Bowl in 2019, and were very close to winning it. Lance also gets the luxury of Kyle Shanahan as his head coach. Some call Shanahan one of the best offensive coaches in the NFL.
But, Lance isn’t guaranteed a starting position, as Jimmy Garoppolo will likely begin the year as the starter. So, when will Lance get his opportunity to shine?
I have a feeling that we will see Lance in 2021. Whether it’s because of Garoppolo getting hurt, or because of Garoppolo struggling. If Lance gets an opportunity, he’ll have some help offensively. Most notably, tight end George Kittle.
Trey Lance’s cards will be pricey, but if he takes advantage of his opportunity, he’ll blow up the charts.
3. QB Justin Fields - Chicago Bears
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The Chicago Bears are a team with low expectations, but Fields seems like a promising prospect. The only thing standing in his away is veteran quarterback, Andy Dalton.
I’d imagine that Fields will best Dalton for the starting job at some point during the 2021 season. Matt Nagy’s job as head coach could rely upon a quarterback switch. If Fields get an opportunity, he’ll have Allen Robinson to throw to, and that will help any rookie quarterback.
Fields’ ability as a dual-threat quarterback is very exciting, and he could be the answer the Bears have been looking for at quarterback. I hope Fields gets a shot to play this season, because if he does, his cards could take off quickly.
4. QB Zach Wilson - New York Jets
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Zach Wilson is someone with immense potential, but the team surrounding him makes me wonder how he’ll play.
The Jets also have a first year head coach in Robert Salah, a long with a plethora of new players on both sides of the ball. Wilson will be the Jets starting quarterback in 2021, but I wonder if he’ll start off slow.
The Jets quarterback position has been a black hole for a long time, is Wilson the answer? I can’t say for certain, but if he is, he’ll have all of New York on his side.
Proceed with caution, but if Wilson ends up being legit, his value will be really high.
5. QB Mac Jones - New England Patriots
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With me being a New England Patriots fan, Mac Jones in my opinion is the light at the end of the tunnel that we need to get back on top.
Cam Newton will likely be the starting quarterback, but nobody knows how long that will last. Unfortunately, the New England Patriots haven't had much luck drafting quarterbacks in the past. They haven’t had any star-like potential options besides Drew Bledsoe, Tom Brady, and you could argue Jimmy Garoppolo.
This season the Patriots have amazing talent on offense, with a wide receiver group that includes Jakobi Myers, and newly signed receivers in Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Of course, Mac Jones has Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels helping him every step of the way. As far as it goes for Mac Jones I 100% recommend buying any of his cards, because I believe he will eventually beat out Cam Newton for the starting quarterback role this season. I think Mac Jones is going to shock a lot of fans kind of like how Justin Herbert did last year.