With the 2024 NFL Draft scheduled for April 25-27, we offer the next article in our series on collecting No. 1 draft picks. The NFL version is much longer than the first article on MLB draft picks (May 1, 2023) since the NFL Draft began in 1936. (Prior to 1967, the NFL and AFL both held their own drafts.) There are many recognizable names on this list, but others may prompt you to ask, “Who?”
The most well-known picks have cards you will have to invest some money in to add to your collection, while others can be found for next to nothing. Enjoy this guide as we remember the top NFL picks over the past 87 years, and their rookie cards.
2023: Bryce Young, QB, Panthers
Rookie Card: 2021 Wild Card Illumination #ANBC-7; 2023 Panini Instant NFL Draft Night #1
There was some debate on whether the Panthers would take Young or CJ Stroud with the first pick in 2023. Now the selection by the Panthers has some questions. Young did not much pass protection or offensive weapons around him, so his rookie campaign was not stellar. He finished with almost 2,900 yards passing on a 60 percent completion rate with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Panthers’ 2024 draft must be a priority to give him some sort of supporting cast.
2022: Travon Walker, DE, Jaguars
Rookie Card: 2019 Leaf #85; 2022 Panini Instant #1
2021: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
Rookie Card: 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks #106; 2021 Panini Mosaic #301; 2021 Panini Illusions #59; 2021 Panini Chronicles #201
Everyone knew the Jags would take Lawrence with the first pick in 2021. His rookie season was not typical of what he is used to: a 3-14 record, 60 percent completion rate, 12 TDs, 17 interceptions. But he quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s best in 2022, passing for 4,113 yards and leading the Jags to the playoffs. He followed it up with another 4,000-yard season in 2023.
2020: Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals
Rookie Card: 2020 Donruss Rated Rookie #301; 2020 Panini Mosaic #201; 2020 Panini Prizm #307
The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion was a slam dunk for the first pick and the Bengals brought him back close to his hometown. As a rookie, he played in 10 games before a season-ending knee injury, going 2-7-1 with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. In
