Finally, after a number of weeks to speculate, we finally have a list of all the players who will be attending the rookie premiere in LA this week. The rookie premiere is the most important event of the card year, as it is where photos will be taken of every major rookie to be used in trading cards for the whole year.
In case you are unaware of what this list is all about, the players below will dominate autographs and relics for the next football year. Its obvious there are some major surprises on the list, and from what it looks like, everyone who is supposed to be on the list is on the list.
My biggest issue is Moritz Bohringer, who was a fun international story from the draft. He is a German player who wowed with speed at a pro day, and the Vikings took a flyer on him in the 6th round. The issue is that the Vikings really have no reason to keep him on the roster, and basically wasted a draft pick on the off chance he can play. From the reports I have seen, his chances of making the team are slim to none, and in fact, he is a long shot to even make the practice squad. This was likely something forced by the league, and here we are holding the bag. He will have international appeal, but its still yet to be seen if he can gain residual value enough to necessitate his inclusion on this list.
Joey Bosa of the Chargers is the only defensive player attending, which is a bit shocking with the story around Jaylon Smith and his new position among America’s team. Sure, Bosa was the third pick, but he will definitely be a box killer just like any Defensive player not named Polamalu or Watt.
Noticeably absent is Jacoby Brissett, drafted by the Patriots in what looks to be insurance against Brady’s suspension. Obviously Garoppolo is going to take the snaps, but with this pick, its seems like they could be aiming for some redundancy in the lineup. Considering the Patriots are a popular team, this surprises me.
Other than that, everyone who should be on the list is on the list. Goff, Wentz, Elliott and company are all there, as are every other QB taken per the unofficial “Tom Brady/Tony Romo Memorial QB Invite Rule.” This “rule” exists so that Panini will not miss any cards of anyone who could possibly play at the most valuable position. Obviously Brissett is the only exception.
Here is the list – more to come as the week progresses.
Moritz Bohringer, Vikings
Devontae Booker, Broncos
Joey Bosa, Chargers
Tyler Boyd, Bengals
Leonte Caroo, Dolphins
Corey Coleman, Browns
Alex Collins, Seahawks
Connor Cook, Raiders
Pharoah Cooper, Rams
Trevor Davis, Packers
Kenneth Dixon, Ravens
Josh Doctson, Redskins
Kenyan Drake, Dolphins
Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Tyler Ervin, Texans
Will Fuller, Texans
Jared Goff, Rams
Christian Hackenberg, Jets
Derrick Henry, Titans
Hunter Henry, Chargers
Kevin Hogan, Chiefs
Jordan Howard, Bears
Cardale Jones, Bills
Cody Kessler, Browns
Ricardo Louis, Browns
Paxton Lynch, Broncos
Braxton Miller, Texans
Malcom Mitchell, Patriots
Chris Moore, Ravens
Paul Perkins, Giants
Dak Prescott, Cowboys
CJ Prosise, Seahawks
Keenan Reynolds, Ravens
Demarcus Robinson, Chiefs
Sterling Sheppard, Giants
Wendell Smallwood, Eagles
Michael Thomas, Saints
Laquon Treadwell, Vikings
DeAndre Washington, Raiders
Carson Wentz, Eagles
Jonathan Williams, Bills