With the 2013 season on the horizon, there is a ton of questions of whether or not the product calendar can satisfy collector needs without a strong class of rookies. As a result, many collectors are going to be turning to older products from 2012 that will have to make up for the gap. Once the season starts, a rookie may stand out to drive value, but its not certain. Here is my primer.

Russell Wilson

The NFC west has gone from a joke to one of the most competitive divisions in football. The Seahawks were on the verge of a deep playoff run in 2012, and Russell Wilson was shouldered with a ton of value for his top play. The Seahawks made some high profile moves in the off season and its likely that they will again battle San Francisco for top billing. Wilson’s cards have steadily gone up in price since the moves have been made, and I dont think they have quite hit their ceiling. I would take a look at a few before the season really gets going.

2012 Topps Finest Russell Wilson Jumbo Swatch Auto Blue Refractor

2012 Topps Chrome Russell Wilson Auto BGS 9.5

2012 Panini Contenders

Its really hard for me to say so many good things about this set, because all the new cards that Panini designed themselves were awful. However, the throwback style of the RPS tickets are amazing, and the box price isnt out of reach for what you can pull. Hit a Luck, Griffin, or Wilson and you have paid for a couple of boxes, which is more than could be said about any box from Panini not named National Treasures.

2012 Contenders Andrew Luck Auto Ticket BGS 9.5

2012 Contenders Robert Griffin III Auto Cracked Ice /20

Colin Kaepernick

The Niners made it to the big game on his back, and he became one of the hottest players the hobby has seen for close to five years. Kaep’s meteoric rise was something that you rarely see, and there is a good chance they will continue to perform well regardless of whether or not Michael Crabtree can make it back on the field. Since the loss, his cards have dipped to more manageable levels, and after seeing him play in Harbaugh’s system, Kaepernick is going to be in line for a ridiculous run.

2012 National Treasures Colin Kaepernick Auto /40

2011 Topps Chrome Colin Kaepernick Auto Refractor /99 BGS 9

2012 Topps Five Star

My love for this set is not a secret, as I hear nothing but complaining all year long about sticker this and sticker that. There are some RIDICULOUS cards in Five Star, all with hard signed signatures. Not only that, but the design is the best of the year, and its not even close. If you are looking for a beautiful card of your favorite player, this is the place to look – and the best thing is that people are too dumb to assign good value to these cards. As a result the cards are crazy cheap, and that leaves a lot for the people like me who think these cards should be at the top of everyone’s list.

2012 Topps Five Star Alfred Morris Jumbo Patch Auto /55

2012 Topps Five Star John Elway Inscription Auto /10

Adrian Peterson

I know what you are thinking, and yes, I am a complete homer here. Peterson’s record comeback last year was a once in a lifetime experience on his way to MVP. Although I dont think he will break Dickerson’s record this year, he might get close to 2k for the second year in a row. Here is why. Christian Ponder has extra targets now, and is playing for his life. It should take some of the focus away from the run game if it proves to be successful. If it isnt successful, then we know Peterson will have to be a workhorse all over again. He might be that person either way. That should net some great performances.

2012 Topps Five Star Adrian Peterson Auto Patch /75

2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Adrian Peterson Booklet Auto Triple Patch

2012 Topps Supreme

This might be a surprise on this list, but I think it belongs. If you want high end thrills at a much cheaper price, this is the product to buy. The cards look great and singles are still getting some really nice prices when you hit something big. I love the design this year, and though its stickers, Topps found a way to make them look nice. If taking the leap and ending up with a jersey card isnt your thing, go chase the singles you want. Its win win.

2012 Topps Supreme Brock Osweiler Quad Patch Auto /5

2012 Topps Supreme Andrew Luck Playbook Auto Book /5

2012 Panini Elite

I was skeptical of this product when it first came out, but I think it was ridiculously underrated. The acetate cards alone are worth the price of admission, and if you can pull a big parallel or parallel auto of a big rookie, you can make some big coin. The cards look really nice, even with Panini’s stupid choice to continue their terrible obsession with foil board. The price has come down a bit since release, and it wont break the bank to pick up some of the singles either.

2012 Panini Elite Nick Foles Inscriptions Auto Acetate

2012 Panini Elite Doug Martin Auto TOTC /99

Trent Richardson

There are not many one back systems left in the NFL, but Cleveland is DEFINITELY one of them. Richardson had a great 2012, and with Weeden’s stock dropping quickly, they could end up relying on him more than ever. I think he could end up with a really nice season carrying the Browns’ offense, and I dont think that many collectors really know how much room there is in his cards.

2012 Contenders Trent Richardson Ticket Auto

2012 Topps Five Star Trent Richardson Jumbo Patch Auto

Both companies have both shown their commitment to adding more veteran content to their products in light of the need to add value left on the table by the new class. Lets just hope there is something they are going to do that makes the year special outside of just adding a few autos.