The 2022 NFL Draft already looks like a strong one. Defensive players like Sauce Gardner, Aidan Hutchinson, and Tariq Woolen became key contributors to their team's schemes. And offensive players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Kenneth Walker, and Tyler Algier showed that they were ready to thrive in the pros.
For most players, though, their breakouts come in years two and three. This gives collectors the opportunity to stock up on their top cards early. Here are some predictions of who the second-year breakout players may be.
Greg Dulcich 2022 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
Dulcich, an incredibly athletic tight end from ULCA was drafted in the third round by the Denver Broncos. He was expected to immediately provide a safety valve for incoming quarterback Russell Wilson. It didn't work out as planned as the Broncos had a terrible season. Still, the tight end managed to catch 33 balls for 411 yards and two touchdowns.
This offseason, Denver brought in Sean Payton to coach the team. Payton's teams have a history of leaning heavily on the tight end. One of Dulcich's best rookie cards, his Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto has been selling for under $20.
Desmond Ridder 2022 Panini Prizm Silver Auto
2022 was an odd year as there was only one quarterback selected in the first round, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett. Despite starring at the University of Cincinnati, Desmond Ridder lasted until the 3rd round, where he was picked by the Atlanta Falcons. He sat behind Marcus Mariota for most of the year but was very impressive when he started the final 4 games of the season.
Atlanta showed faith in Ridder by committing to him as their 2023 starter. Ridder certainly has the ability to make that look like a very smart move. The quarterback's Panini Prizm Silver auto has been selling for around $200 in PSA 9 condition.
Kenny Pickett 2022 Panini Mosaic
Most drafts see a few quarterbacks taken in the first ten picks. The 2022 draft saw only one taken in the first round, Kenny Pickett, drafted by the Steelers with pick 20. For much of the first season, the Steelers relied on Mitchell Trubisky to be their starter. But when he got his shot, Pickett sure was impressive.
The Steelers have made known their intention to go with Pickett by not adding a veteran QB. And Pickett is ready to roll with the opportunity. His Panini Mosaic rookie card sells for under $100.
Skyy Moore 2022 Donruss Optic
The luckiest wideouts in football are the ones who catch their passes from Patrick Mahomes. Skyy Moore became one of those privileged individuals last year when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him with the 54th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Things came slowly for the rookie wideout as he only caught 22 balls over the course of the season.
Moore became an integral player for the Chiefs, however, during the team's playoff run which included catching a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. This year, Moore is well higher up the depth chart and could be in for a massive season. You can still pick up his Donruss Optic rookie on the cheap before that happens.
Derek Stingly 2022 Panini Prizm Auto
During his rookie season, Ahmad Gardner emerged as perhaps the best cornerback in football. Another rookie, Tariq Woolen, had a great year, making the Pro Bowl. Derek Stingley, a cornerback out of Louisiana State was drafted ahead of both of them.
Just because he was not as good as Sauce or Woolen, that doesn't mean that Stingley didn't flash big-time ability. Cornerback is one of the most difficult positions to play as a rookie and the Texan is sure to get better. His Panini Prizm auto could make for a smart investment.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.