With the draft less than a week a way, the next year of cards can come down to what happens over the next 7 days. For each of the big rookies, there is a best and worst case scenario, and I want to take some time breaking them down. Lets just hope for everyone’s sake that there are a number of top guys like there were last year. This year's class has some exciting talent, and thursday night is going to be packed with fireworks as a result.
Jameis Winston
Best Case Scenario: #1 Pick
Worst Case Scenario: Not #1 Pick
I think by now, it would take an extreme situation for Winston to not be picked number 1. If he isnt picked number one, I dont even really think there will be too much impact to his value, which is already higher than any other player for the class. The Bucs dont have a huge hobby following, but being the top pick with some fame off the field will make up for it and then some. He plays QB and he should be good. No issues there.
Cards to pick up:
2015 Upper Deck Inscriptions Jameis Winston Auto RC
2015 Leaf Ultimate Draft Jameis Winston Auto /40
2014 Upper Deck Exquisite Jameis Winston XRC
Marcus Mariota
Best Case Scenario: #2 Pick to Philly or Other Good Team
Worst Case Scenario: Aaron Rodgers Type Plummet or drafted by Cleveland
Even though I think what Chip Kelly is doing is borderline certifiable in Philadelphia, Mariota to the Eagles would be a great hobby situation. Not only are the Eagles highly collected, they are a great team in a nationally followed division. However, its unlikely that he ends up there, even with all the smoke screens currently being put out.
Cards to Pick Up:
2015 Leaf Metal Draft Marcus Mariota Auto Red Refractor /5
2015 Upper Deck SP Authentics Marcus Mariota Auto
2015 Upper Deck Marcus Mariota RC Auto Variation
Todd Gurley
Best Case Scenario: Dallas trades up to top 10 to get him
Worst Case Scenario: Second Round Pick
Although he has had some issues with his knee, Gurley is one of the top talents in the draft at any position. If he can go to big D, his hobby value will automatically increase substantially. Being that the RB position is all but nothing in the NFL, he could fall hard, but its unlikely that he makes it past 32. I would like to see him picked by some widely collected team, as his cards would sell for a lot.
Cards to pick up:
2015 Leaf Metal Draft Todd Gurley Auto Superfractor 1/1
2015 Leaf Ultimate Draft Todd Gurley Auto /40
Amari Cooper
Best Case Scenario: Chicago at #7
Worst Case Scenario: Jets at #6
This is one of the most unusual best cases and worst cases I could put together, as him going higher SHOULD mean a lot more value. However, the Jets are notorious for WRECKING every pick they have with very few exceptions, and I would HATE for Cooper to end up as a bust. I think going to Chicago would put him on a highly collected team, which would mean good things for his hobby value.
Cards to Pick Up:
2015 Upper Deck Amari Cooper Letter Auto RC /15
2015 Upper Deck Inscriptions Amari Cooper Auto RC
The draft is one of my favorite times of the year, and I cannot wait to see what happens. I have a distinct feeling its going to be insane, and that makes for must see TV. I hope we get some intrigue and fun along the way, as long as the dud teams stay away from top offensive talent. Last year, Jacksonville drafted Bortles, and effectively killed his value. Lets hope that doesnt happen again.