We are not quite at the quarter point of the NFL season now that the year is 17 games and all. But enough games have been played now that some things are becoming clear. And one of those things is that this is going to be a special rookie class.
Obviously, graded rookie cards will slowly trickle in over the next few months and now might be a good time to buy some boxes and try to pull the cards yourself. Failing that, here are some top cards for the NFL's Week 4 stars.
Devon Witherspoon 2023 Panini Draft Picks
Thanks to the trade of franchise Quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks had the 5th selection in this year's draft. They used that selection on Devon Witherspoon a top-flight cornerback out of the University of Illinois. It is clear that Seattle is delighted with the results so far.
Witherspoon was introduced to a national audience during this Monday's game against the New York Giants. The cornerback not only recorded 7 tackles and 2 sacks, but he also intercepted Daniel Jones in the red zone and ran the ball back 95 yards for a touchdown. His Panini Draft Picks rookie card is selling briskly online.
Khalil Mack 2014 Topps Chrome
With passing so common in the NFL these days, teams are focused on acquiring players who can get after the QB. Khalil Mack had been doing it at such a high level, for so long, that the Chargers traded a second-round pick for him before last season. Mack made an immediate impact, making the Pro Bowl in 2022.
Mack is off to an even better start this year and he had the best game of his career on Sunday, sacking Raiders' quarterback Aiden O'Connell 6 times. One of Mack's top rookie cards is his 2014 Topps Chrome issue which sells for under $100 in PSA 10 condition.
Christian McCaffrey 2017 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
It seemed unfair when the San Francisco 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey during the 2022 season. The Niners were already loaded and adding one of the best running backs in the league to the mix seemed like overkill. But there are no rules against stacking a superteam.
McCaffrey was outstanding during week 4 of the NFL season. Playing against the Cardinals, he rushed for more than 100 yards, caught 7 passes for 71 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. McCaffrey has several desirable rookie cards including the rookie ticket auto which sells for up to $1,000 depending on condition.
Jason Kelce 2017 Panini Unparalleled
There was an awful lot of attention focused on Travis Kelce in week 4 of the NFL season, but he just had a ho-hum game. His brother, on the other hand, starred in Philadelphia's matchup with the Washington Commanders.
The center has long set a standard for excellence at his position. He has been especially effective in the tush-push play the Eagles on 4th and 1 this season. Kelce's rookie comes in the 2017 Panini Unparalleled set. A base copy of the card can be had on the cheap, but different variants of the issue can sell for hundreds.
Puka Nacua 2023 Panini Silver Draft Picks
Every year, NFL draft scouts find out that they were wrong about a player. Rarely does it happen as fast as it has with Puka Nacua. The wide receiver, selected by the LA Rams has already established himself as a dominant force. And somehow he lasted until the 177th pick of the 2023 draft.
Through just four games, Nacua has caught 39 passes for 501 yards. Week four saw him grab 9 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Nacua has a card in the Panini Draft picks set. There are few graded copies out there, but raw copies are selling fast and for under $100.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.