Last year was a difficult year for pre-game action products due to the NFL lockout, and no product felt it more than ones like Prestige. It didnt help that the design for the rookie content was ugly and uninspired, and that the inserts for the product were hideous as well. This year has not come without issues either, as the product has been delayed time and time again since the original release date. At a time of year when we are usually getting ready for the first post-premiere product, Prestige is inexplicably being released on the 28th. At least, for the most part, the product looks a million times better than it has in recent years.

Plagued by awful photos and a oddly unbalanced design last year, the rookie content is the most improved part of the set for 2012. In fact, I would go so far as saying this is one of the best Prestige base designs I can remember. The simple ticket style look is something I would not have any issue with being in Contenders, and I think Panini made the right call using it early on to create buzz. The full game shot style of the pictures balances well with the rest of the card, and I think it looks perfect to convey the rookies in their NFL uniforms for the first time.

Secondly, the autograph stickers are FINALLY without the big white box that is usually behind it on Panini cards. Obviously this is music to my eyes, as it keeps the focus of the card where it should be. Add in that the veteran players are also getting some base card autograph love in this set, and I am a very happy person. I really like this design, and I think these cards are quite nicely finished. THIS is the way it should be Panini. THIS.

In terms of the insert sets, even these are improved, even though we are seeing the best of the best. Of course, there will be numerous parallels that wont be as good looking, but the top cards in these sets do look pretty good. My least favorite are the hard signed draft cards, as I cannot understand why cards like this continually make a presence in product like this. Its one thing to celebrate the draft, but its a completely different thing to create these kind of under-designed cards that arent at all good looking, on card or not.

Lastly, whatever foil that Panini has decided to use for those inserts has to be the ugliest thing I have seen yet this year. And that is with Bowman signature in the mix. Also, why more of those stupid behind the stairs shots from the premiere? Honestly, they had the entire rose bowl field to get some awesome action shots, and they choose those pieces of crap? Ugh.

For the first time in a very long time, I will probably buy a few cards from this product, as it is light years in the right direction from where it was. I hope that the rest of the stuff this year from Panini continues in the same direction.