If you were collecting football back in 2006, it was a good time to be in the hobby. There were three enormously anticipated prospects, each’s hype eclipsed only by their draft class bretheren, all was fine and well. Even though Young, Bush and Leinart all turned out to be epic busts, back then, it was like the card companies were printing their own money.
After seeing the way the college football season is developing, we may have a very similar situation coming in 2012. Even though there may not be three hugely touted prospects coming in the upcoming draft, there will be Andrew Luck, a player that is already being hyped as the best QB prospect since John Elway. Right now there are four 0-4 teams, the Vikings, Dolphins, Colts and Rams, and all but St Louis would be happy to have Luck on their side.
Personally, I don’t think the Vikings will end up at the top of the draft, but for a second, lets say they do. If this ends up being the case, we may have the most valuable card scenario to ever be available in Football cards. Reggie Bush had some crazy price numbers back when he was hyped, but it will be peanuts compared to Luck in purple. Even with the recent pick of Christian Ponder, Luck will be drafted if the Vikings have the first pick. You cant pass up on talent like he has. Now, because Vikings fans are starving for some ray of light surrounding the team, and because they are already rabid to begin with, value will be astronomical. Even before Luck takes a single snap, his cards will be higher than any rookie has ever been.
Want proof? Check out this auction. This is a cut signature that doesnt even look that cool. Still sold for insane money. This mini helmet falls under the same circumstances
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As the number one pick, he gains a lot of value regardless of team. As a QB, it is multiplied. As a Viking, playing for a team without a good QB since Daunte Culpepper in 2000, it grows further. I would not be shocked if his base Topps rookie cards sell over 15 bucks a piece. Autos will be crazy high.
Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg were juggernauts in the initial stages of release, and Luck will be the equivalent if he continues to play injury free for the rest of the year. If he ends up in Miami or Indianapolis, the value will still be ridiculous, just not at the level if he ended up a Viking. The kid is the complete package according to every scout out there, and in a quarterback driven league (and hobby), he is priceless as a possible member of a struggling franchise. The Vikings also need a new stadium, and Luck could help, believe it or not.
Let me say this. I have a ton of money invested in Chrisitan Ponder, not because I think he will be good, but because he is the first sign that the Vikings are drafting a face of the franchise. I am starved for fun just like every other Minnesotan out there. I cant help myself. Therefore, if Luck does make a home in the frozen north, I am going to be in a big predicament. What do I do with all my stuff? I would feel like a Jimmy Clausen fan in Carolina!
The Vikings will have a top five pick, no doubt about it. Once Ponder gets the ball in the next few weeks, we will see what we have in him. If he ends up being good, maybe a pick like Justin Blackmon would be just as beneficial, as long as they are not picking at number 1.
Lady Luck has never been a fan of Minnesota anything, so it is only fitting that we eventually end up with a situation like what looks to be on the horizon. Only time will tell if I have to empty my wallet all over again next year.
well no offense here Adam, but maybe you shouldn’t have spent so much money on the most surprising (worst) pick of the entire first round this year.
I disagree that it was the worst pick, but I agree with the rest of it. Im too big of a Vikings fan, blinded by the jersey worn rather than the talent of the player.
Just a random thought from a Lions fan, but let’s say Ponder plays well enough to be a decent starter AND the Vi-Queens get the #1 pick.
You don’t need a QB, why not look at the silver lining of being able to clean out another team of draft picks for the #1 slot?
I’m sure Miami would probably give their 1st and 2nd (or more) to get Luck. Not only do they need a QB, but they need a face for the franchise. The Colts more than likely aren’t going to bite, and the Rams don’t need a QB.
There is a difference between a serviceable starter and a franchise QB.
I dont even think the Vikings thought he was going to be another guy like Bradford was last year. They thought an upscale Chad Pennington. Luck is being billed as John Elway. Who would you rather have?
First round picks arent as valuable as they used to be.
I totally understand your point.
But Ponder’s got a 4yr/ $11million contract they’d have to eat. I don’t know what kind of room the Vikes have under the cap, but I don’t think they’ll be able to trade Ponder w/ a contract like that, and aren’t likely to just cut him.
Who knows, maybe McNabb will start being a decent game manager, AP starts running like AP and they win 5-6 games so we can forget this conversation ever happened…
They have kept pace in the three games before the Chiefs, and the teams werent bad. The Vikings are bad, but not number one pick bad. They will turn it around enough to get the 4 or 5 pick.
I can’t see the Vikings passing on Luck. The draft is basically the only way to get a franchise QB. You can build the rest of your team through free agency, late round picks, and an intelligent scouting department. QB is the exception and you have to take Luck if he’s there.