2018 ROOKIE CLASS

LAMAR JACKSON, RAVENS

Last season’s league MVP, Lamar Jackson checks all the boxes of an exciting QB on one of the NFL’s best teams who puts up big numbers. Jackson may be the most talented open-field runner in football. Baltimore’s college-like offense is tough to defend, at least for now. Jackson is also surrounded by young players with huge potential, which only fuels collectors’ excitement. e Ravens lost to the Chiefs in Week 3, but still should be there deep into the postseason.

SELL:

Jackson’s card values are second only to Mahomes. ey rose over the off-season, and even if they do rise a bit more, now’s a great time to consider selling because prices are so high and have increased significantly through the off-season. His 2018 Panini Contenders #112A RC already goes for more than $1,500, and high-grade versions sell for $4,000 or more. His 2018 Donruss Optic #167 RR RC was selling for about $50 in the spring and now tops out at around $170.

JOSH ALLEN, BILLS

The third quarterback taken in the 2018 draft, Allen is emerging as an elite and clutch passer. Coming out of Wyoming, many collectors were skeptical of his ability to make the transition into the NFL. He totaled more than 3,000 yards last season with a 10-6 record. In three games this year (all wins), he already has more than 1,000 yards with 10 TDs to just 1 interception. Allen is an underrated athlete with more than 1,000 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns on the ground in his first two seasons. With Tom Brady out of the AFC East, the division should be Buffalo’s to lose.

HOLD:

The balance of power tips pretty heavily to the AFC, and the Bills should be right in the mix for a Super Bowl run this season. His card values continue to rise, with some selling for more than four times what they were going for at the end of the 2019 season. Ride the wave to see how far deep in the postseason Allen can take the Bills. His 2018 Panini Contenders Optic #105 is a popular autographed RC for about $250 to $300.

BAKER MAYFIELD, BROWNS

Baker Mayfield is playing under his third head coach and third offensive system in as many years. He seemed to regress in his second year, tossing 22 touchdowns to 21 interceptions in a 6-10 season. Still, he has one of the best backfields in the NFL with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt along with talented receivers. The downside? It’s the Browns. Cleveland’s quarterback history is atrocious, but Mayfield only has one full season under his belt. He also has a history of finding ways to win. His fiery style is reminiscent of Brett Favre.

HOLD:

Mayfield was 2018’s top overall draft pick and a Heisman winner, so his cards still hold good value. Collectors certainly haven’t given up on his key cards. A 2018 Limited #101 JSY AU/125 RC tops out at around $175, which is higher than it was after the 2019 season. The Panini Prizm brand continues to gain popularity in football, and Mayfield’s 2018 Panini Prizm #201 RC can be found for less than $40.

SAM DARNOLD, JETS

The Jets have had one winning season in nine years. They were one win away from an 8-8 season last year in a tough AFC East. Darold doesn’t have much offensive support, but he’s just 23 years old in his third season. He topped 3,000 yards in 13 games with a respectable 84.3 percent passer rating last year. He’s in the massive New York media market, which only helps attract attention.

BUY:

Darnold’s cards right now are a classic example of low risk/high reward. They are easy to pick up compared to most other young QBs. Simply, there’s not much to lose with him. His 2018 Panini Contenders #103 AU RC goes for around $200, but lower-end RCs such as 2018 Panini Prizm can be found for $15-$20.