There are a few things that determine value in football. Position, team, college, on field production, future potential all contribute to how much collectors are willing to shell out for a card. A mediocre rookie that plays for a popular team may actually get more on eBay than a more productive rookie for a less popular team. Its kind of baffling to me, but it is the way it is. All that being said, who should be the top rookie this year?

EJ Manuel – Current Leader

Quarterbacks take precedent over any and all other positions, regardless of potential. I would even go so far as saying that other positions wont come close as the years move on, especially when its obvious the league is moving to protect them so much. Manuel hasnt played lights out like we saw last year, not even close. Yet, we still see he has the most value of any rookie. I personally believe Manuel was a huge reach during the 2013 Draft, and in a lot of ways, his value is derived from the fact he was the only first round QB drafted.

2013 Topps Chrome EJ Manuel Auto Refractor /150

2013 Bowman Sterling EJ Manuel Gold Refractor Auto Patch /75

Eddy Lacy – Second Place

At times during the year, Lacy has looked tremendous. He has seemingly revitalized a rushing game in Green Bay that was non-existent. He comes from a popular school and plays for one of the most popular teams in the league. The problem is, he plays for a team that relies as heavily as possible on the Quarterback role. This means there wont be as many carries in the future, and Lacy may not have the career he would have playing somewhere else.

2013 Topps Chrome Eddy Lacy Black Refractor Auto /25

2013 Topps Platinum Eddy Lacy On Card Frost Refractor Auto

Geno Smith – Third Place

I am not sure if the Jets will ever be an offensive powerhouse enough to make Geno a worthwhile look. However, because the Jets are possible and have beaten both New England and the Saints, shows that the team CAN be successful in some of their big games with Smith at the helm. However, he has played in abysmal fashion in many of the other games, which has made his value fluctuate drastically. Im not sold on Smith and I dont really know if he will be good playing on the Jets. Its unfortunate because he has a beautiful signature.

2013 Topps Inception Geno Smith Auto Patch /25

2013 Playbook Geno Smith Auto Patch Booklet

Giovani Bernard – Fourth Place

Even though Gio isnt technically the starter, he is the guy who will be next year. Collectors are banking on the previously impressive games from early in the season, and though he hasnt really shown a ton of production lately, it can be due to injury and a team decision to go more to the pass. Green-Ellis continues to get goal line carries which takes TDs off the board for Bernard, but he is definitely having a good season.

2013 Topps Chrome Giovani Bernard 1986 Throwback On Card Auto

2013 Topps Prime Giovani Bernard Auto Booklet Jumbo Patch /15

Honorable Mentions

Cordarrelle Patterson – Currently has the most expensive Super on record, shown some major explosiveness this year to whet the appetites of a rabid fan base.

Tavon Austin – Drastically underperformed until 2 weeks ago, coming on strong to close out the year

Mike Glennon – The Bucs were terrible, but he has turned it around to squeak out some wins lately