Soon, the NFL season will be over and the draft will be upon us. Much like last year, there is a metric ton of talented skill players that will translate to huge value in the hobby. Similarly, with previous year products coming out well into the window between the postseason and the draft, we now have a unique opportunity that many companies are going to take advantage of.

Last year, Upper Deck scored major brownie points for 2010 Exquisite by including cards of future draft picks that had already declared for the NFL draft.

2010 Exquisite Cam Newton RC /99

2010 Exquisite Julio Jones RC /99

2010 Exquisite Jake Locker RC /99

These cards were the first cards available in the new year for some very collectible players, and as a result, collectors chase them with vigor. This year, both Five Star and National Treasures will be released far into the post season, with Treasures possibly hitting shelves around April. To think that Panini is going to try to pull this off is beyond risky, but the inclusion of Andrew Luck with his team affiliation in the product could drastically soften the blow. Personally, I think that there is a much more value involved the it was done by UD.

Aside from this odd move from Panini, the cards themselves play on collectors incessant need for instant gratification. That attitude dominates rookie card purchases in the hobby, and even though there is not a team affiliation that can be displayed in February, the player’s hype will drive crazy prices in a set like Five Star or NT. Andrew Luck will no doubt be the first QB to have a base Topps card break 20 bucks upon release, and if there is a Five Star equivalent of that card, it could rake on eBay like it will be Luck’s ONLY available one for the whole year.

Bottom line, I welcome these cards, as I think they add a great value to a product without driving cost in autograph or jersey content. They are worth a bunch of money, usually dont count against the box content, and actually hold value pretty decently throughout the offseason.

If Topps and Panini were smart, this is the direction they will go, and I have a feeling they have already had this type of conversation with their licensing guy. If not, shame on them, because its a golden opportunity right down the tube. I will chase the singles from the products regardless of inclusion, but this type of thing may get me to buy a box or two. Its that much bait for a guy like me, and I dont think Im alone in that feeling.