One of the most fun (and potentially profitable) aspects of collecting cards is prospecting which rookies are set up for success in the NFL. Most collectors focus on the top quarterbacks, but the cost per entry on their cards has some major risk.
Imagine if you invested heavily in players like Dwayne Haskins, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Jared Goff, Josh Rosen, Johnny Manziel or Mitch Trubisky? (Just to name a few examples of first round quarterbacks who were massively hyped coming out of college and didn't exactly live up to expectations in the NFL.) If you invested that same money in Patrick Mahomes—who was actually drafted after Trubisky—or an underwhelming 6th round prospect out of Michigan named Tom Brady, your collection is likely worth a fortune.
In the 2021 Draft, five quarterbacks came off the board in the first round. The last time that happened was back in 2018 with Baker Mayfield (1), Sam Darnold (3), Josh Allen (7), Josh Rosen (10) and Lamar Jackson (32). Of the five, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were the best investments, with Baker Mayfield heating up after a fantastic year, and Sam Darnold's recent trade to the Carolina Panthers reinvigorating his market.
This year's crop of first round quarterbacks were all selected in the top 15 picks, featuring the most hyped prospects since Andrew Luck: Trevor Lawrence (1), Zach Wilson (2), Trey Lance (3), Justin Fields (11), and Mac Jones (15). Besides the quarterbacks, there are quite a few interesting prospects that I think are set up for success in both the NFL and the card market. Below, I break down my top 10 favorites, as well as a couple of sleepers worthy of some low-risk, high-reward plays.