I think that people are still finding their way with the 2015 rookie class, especially in trying to determine which players are worth the most over comparable examples. Only a few auctions have ended so far, but based on what I have seen, this is the way I expect it will eventually shake out.

1a. Jameis Winston – QB, Buccaneers

I am putting Winston only slightly ahead of Mariota, solely because he was the top pick. His off the field stuff may eventually put him at a solid number two in the class, but Mariota has similar bust potential based on the system he played in college.

Top Cards:

2015 Bowman Chrome Jameis Winston Orange Refractor Auto

2015 Bowman Chrome Jameis Winston Printing Plate Auto 1/1

2015 Bowman Chrome Jameis Winston Gold Refractor Auto /75

1b. Marcus Mariota – QB, Titans

As mentioned above, Mariota is about as good as it gets off the field. On the field, I dont think he is as complete a prospect as Winston is. He played in a system offense, which many people have posed as the main reason for his potential bust status. Even though he is a bust, everyone seems to think his drive and character will carry him far. Hurts that he basically has no one to throw to and a crappy running game though.

Top cards:

2015 Bowman Chrome Marcus Mariota Orange Refractor Auto /50

2015 Bowman Chrome Marcus Mariota Refractor Auto

3. Amari Cooper – WR, Raiders

I dont think Cooper has the raw speed or the raw craziness that we saw in some of the other top receivers that have come out at this draft position in the past. What he doesnt have in speed or general pizazz, he has in raw talent. The guy catches the ball better than anyone, and should end up being one of the safer pickups in the class. Derek Carr turned out to be pretty good last year, so that should help too.

Top Cards:

2015 Bowman Chrome Amari Cooper Blue Refractor Auto /99

2015 Bowman Chrome Amari Cooper Refractor Auto

4. Todd Gurley – RB, Rams

People love watching a talented Running Back play the game. They love long runs and exciting jukes to shake defenders. All that being said, they dont assign value to their cards, at least not recently. RBs have shown to be disposable, and that means that there isnt a long term value in their hobby stature. Gurley already had a knee blown out, so im surprised that people want his cards so much.

Top Cards:

2015 Bowman Chrome Todd Gurley Blue Refractor Auto /99

2015 Bowman Chrome Todd Gurley Mini Auto

5. Bryce Petty – QB, Jets

Kevin White is also a distinct possibility here at number 5 once this set settles down. If Petty was drafted by any other team, I dont think he would have the value he does to reach this spot either. Because the Jets’ QB situation is a complete freaking mess, he could get a chance to start if he plays well during camp and pre-season. We know that Geno Smith hasnt had much success, so what is the hurt to throw out a guy with very low expectations to see what he can do?

Top Cards:

2015 Bowman Chrome Bryce Petty Xfractor Auto /10

2015 Bowman Chrome Bryce Petty Gold Refractor Auto /75

The first big products to be released each year always incite a fun chase to start to pick up all the different cards of players the hobby wants to collect. As more sets are released, im sure the chase will intensify to the point where we will start to get a clearer picture of who the top guys in the class will be.