7 VETERANS ON THE RISE
LAMAR JACKSON, QB, RAVENS
e Ravens are going all in on Jackson, and surrounding him with offensive playmakers to suit his playing style. Once he took over the starting job last season, his cards popped up on the Hot List. is year, it’s his team. Rookie receiver Marquise Brown complements Jackson’s speed and illusiveness perfectly. Adding Mark Ingram as a legitimate running back threat should take some pressure off Jackson to shoulder the offense.
Jackson’s later cards were overshadowed by Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley and Pat Mahomes. But look for his 2018 Panini National Treasures #165 JSY AU RC to creep back up in value if he plays well and Baltimore strings together wins. It has cooled recently down to $800. His 2018 Panini Elements #78 is a popular on-card autograph at an affordable $150.
CHRIS CARSON, RB, SEAHAWKS
e Seahawks have been searching for a solid running back since losing Marshawn Lynch in 2015. Chris Carson might be the guy, topping 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He was a seventh-round pick in 2017, so many fans and collectors might look at last season as a fluke. Seattle is a playoff team with a transcendent quarterback. Carson is in a perfect spot to get a lot of national attention this season.
He has just 12 Rookie Cards, and all are priced at less than
$40. He’s one of the best investments right now for his low prices and huge potential. e 2017 Panini Contenders Optic #195 AU RC tops out at $20, and his 2017 Limited #164 AU/99 RC can be found for no more than $10.
KERRYON JOHNSON, RB, LIONS
Last year’s rookie class delivered terrific performances by running backs. Johnson ranked sixth in rushing yards among rookie runners, but averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He also added more than 200 yards receiving and four total touchdowns, but played in just 10 games because of a knee issue. If he stays healthy this season, he could be the breakout player from the 2018 rookie class. Johnson is fun to watch and runs with a bad attitude.
Most of Johnson’s best Rookie Cards can be found for less than $50 right now, such as the 2018 Panini One #12 JSY AU/199 RC and 2018 Immaculate Collection #140 JSY AU RC. His 2018 Panini Contenders #117A AU RC has a lot of potential topping out at just $30.
AARON JONES, RB, PACKERS
Jones was the third option at running back two years ago as a fifth-round pick. He flashed impressive ability but really caught attention last season leading the league with 5.5 yards per carry and totaling 934 yards with nine touchdowns. The Packers will continue using other running backs, but Jones shows he’s the top option. He’s an allaround runner who just seems to find openings and gain momentum to finish runs strong.
Most of his Rookie Cards have received increases in value recently, so collectors are catching on. He has just 16 RCs, with only a few autographs. The 2017 Panini Contenders #139 AU/250 RC SP remains his most valuable at just $40—one of the rare ones in the set. The 2017 Limited #180 AU/99 RC is just $20.
MICHAEL GALLUP, WR, COWBOYS
The addition of Amari Cooper was a terrific move for the Cowboys. He will continue to be the team’s top receiver, but Gallup should be the unquestioned second option during his second season, especially with Cole Beasley moving to Buffalo. He totaled 507 yards and two touchdowns last year. Gallup showed the talent to earn Dak Prescott’s trust. With Jason Witten returning at tight end, things could open up even more for the receivers.
Gallup’s best RC options can be had for $25-$50. The 2018 Panini National Treasures #192 JSY AU RC is the most valuable at $60. His 2018 Panini Contenders Optic #126 AU RC is a great deal at $25. You can find about 10 of his autographed RCs for less than $20.
JAMES WASHINGTON, WR, STEELERS
Washington’s stats during his rookie season last year aren’t going to wow anyone, but the Steelers have a newlook offense now. Antonio Brown is gone, as is tight end Jesse James. So, Washington could easily become the team’s second option at receiver. The Steelers were the No. 2 passing offense in the NFL last season, so there should be plenty of passes to go around. Washington was one of college football’s most reliable and productive receivers during his four seasons at Oklahoma State.
Washington’s key Rookie Cards fall below $50, with most reaching no more than $25. His 2018 Panini Impeccable #116 HEL PAT AU RC is a popular option for a newer brand at $50. The 2018 Panini Origins #114 JSY AU RC is an on-card autograph option for less than $20.
TYLER BOYD, WR, BENGALS
Boyd started 14 games for the Bengals last season, topping 1,000 yards and scoring seven touchdowns as the team’s No. 1 receiver. A.J. Green might be fully healthy for 2019, but Boyd should still make a huge impact. A secondround pick in 2016, Boyd will be just 24 when the season kicks off. He has plenty of quality years left.
Expect to pay no more than $30-$40 for Boyd’s best RCs. Two good options with a lot of upside are 2016 Panini Unparalleled #221 JSY AU/199 RC and 2016 Panini Spectra #191 JSY AU RC. His 2016 Panini Contenders #331A AU RC SP tops out at just $15 right now.