Now that the draft is over, it seems as though the year is ready to start. With the top picks now aligned with their teams, we can finally get a good idea of what the value looks like for the main players of the year. Although some were going to be obvious, there were a few very big surprises. Here is a breakdown of where I think things ended up hobby wise.
Jameis Winston – #1 Overall, Buccaneers
I think this was expected as soon as the combine was over, and Winston’s pro day was ironed out. The Bucs didnt surprise anyone by picking him, which only helps to solidify his value for the year. It should also be mentioned that the Bucs’ jerseys are FILLED with some awesome patches, something that could provide a bit of a value boost for some of the crazy logos. Although Tampa doesnt necessarily have legions of collectors, Winston being a QB and the first pick will offset that.
Prices so far:
2015 Upper Deck Jameis Winston SP Authentics Auto
2015 Leaf Ultimate Draft Jameis Winston Silver Auto
2015 Upper Deck Jameis Winston SP Auto Variation
Marcus Mariota – #2 Overall, Titans
I was shocked when the Titans didnt trade this pick. I thought someone would pay their ransom, as Mariota’s stock continued to increase as the draft moved closer. Although I wanted Philly to eventually win the sweepstakes for the sake of the team value that comes with them, the Titans making the pick doesnt hurt TOO much. Like Tampa, the Titans have some great patches on their jersey, and should play nicely for the sword logos that are coming this year.
Prices so far:
2015 Leaf Metal Draft Marcus Mariota Superfractor Auto 1/1
Marcus Mariota Signed Hesiman Trophy Replica – PSA Cert
Amari Cooper – #4 Overall, Raiders
Although I think this is a very good team to draft a top guy, Cooper is going to be a top guy regardless of his team. I think he will have a better rookie season than AJ Green or Julio Jones, and Derek Carr has proven to be a serviceable starter. Not bad in terms of the hobby, as there are lots of people who really like the Raiders, even if I am not one of them.
Prices so far:
2015 Upper Deck Inscriptions Amari Cooper Red Auto RC
2014 Exquisite Amari Cooper XRC /125
Kevin White – #7 Overall, Bears
After trading away Brandon Marhsall for peanuts, White looks to be a good pickup for the Bears as his replacement. He wont have the same initial production, but he could develop into a top guy. The Bears have a ton of collectors, so White should be a big pull in 2014.
Prices So Far:
2015 Leaf Metal Draft Kevin White Superfractor Auto 1/1
2015 Leaf Ultimate Draft Kevin White Helmet Auto /5
Todd Gurley – #10 Overall, Rams
As shocked as I am that the Titans didnt trade out of number 2, I am equally as shocked that someone would draft a RB at 10 in this day and age. Very weird. Gurley will be an interesting case all year coming off his ACL injury. He may not get quality carries until a few weeks in, either, so be on the watch for spending too much on his cards early. There will be a lull as the season starts and he doesnt get the ball. Thats the best time to buy.
Prices so far:
2015 Upper Deck Inscriptions Todd Gurley Gold Wave Auto
Todd Gurley Game Used Autographed Georgia Gloves
Devante Parker – #14 Overall, Dolphins
Great pick by the Fins here, as Parker is a great player to fill the gap left by troubled Mike Wallace. Of all the guys in the reciever class this year, im most interested to see what happens with Parker. I wanted the Vikings to pick him up, but they went defense. Hobby wise, the Dolphins have a following, and their fans will be all over him.
Prices so Far:
2015 Leaf Metal Draft Devante Parker Auto Superfractor 1/1
2015 Upper Deck Devante Parker Die Cut Auto
Melvin Gordon – #15, Chargers
Two backs in the top 20 is nuts to me. That being said, there is not a better situation for Gordon this year, especially because Rivers is great, and the team isnt terrible either. Running backs need help from the passing game early in their career, and the more room they have the better they do.
Prices so far:
2015 Upper Deck Melvin Gordon SP Authentics Auto
Melvin Gordon Signed Sports Illustrated – PSA Cert
The draft is always one of my favorite events of the year, and though there wasnt as much action as I thought there would be, it was still a blast. Now onto the Rookie Premiere in late May.