Top 2021 NFL Rookie Cards Guide & Football Rookie Card Hot List

The true top 2021 NFL rookie cards might take a few years to emerge, but collectors already have multiple players with high expectations.

The guide highlights key names at this point along with a real-time card hot list.

See also: Top 2020 NFL Rookies Guide and Football Rookie Card Hot List

Where to Find 2021 Football Rookie Cards

It seems that more and more companies put out football cards every year. However, the majority of these are unlicensed, and while each brand has a following, most collectors seek out the licensed sets. Among the 2021 NFL rookie cards, Panini has the exclusive license. The card maker is also the sole option for licensed collegiate cards.

To help collectors stay on top of the many options, the 2021 football cards page offers set details, checklists, boxes for sale and much more.

Best 2021 Football Rookie Cards Sets to Collect

Unlike most sports, the football cards start months ahead of the actual season. These early releases are prospect/collegiate sets that tend to slow down once the NFL cards show up. Among these, 2021 Prizm Draft Picks Football is a favorite.

Arriving throughout the season and into 2022, the top sets for 2021 NFL rookie cards include several Optichrome releases along with high-end products. Standouts consist of 2021 Prizm Football, 2021 Contenders Football, 2021 Mosaic Football, 2021 Immaculate Collection Football, and 2021 National Treasures Football.

• Click to see the 2021 NFL rookie card auctions with the most bids.

Top 2021 NFL Rookie Cards To Collect

Just like in 2020, the 2021 rookie class is headlined by a strong quarterback selection. While other offensive positions are worth a look—namely running back, wide receiver and tight end—the collecting world tends to revolve around the QBs.

The players are grouped by position and listed in order of draft selection.

TOP QUARTERBACKS

Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars

2021 Draft: 1st Overall / College: Clemson

• View the top Trevor Lawrence rookie cards on eBay.

Zach Wilson - New York Jets

2021 Draft: 2nd Overall / College: BYU

• View the top Zach Wilson rookie cards on eBay.

Trey Lance - San Francisco 49ers

2021 Draft: 3rd Overall / College: North Dakota St.

• View the top Trey Lance rookie cards on eBay.

Justin Fields - Chicago Bears

2021 Draft: 11th Overall / College: Ohio State

• View the top Justin Fields rookie cards on eBay.

Mac Jones - Chicago Bears

2021 Draft: 15th Overall / College: Alabama

• View the top Mac Jones rookie cards on eBay.

TOP RUNNING BACKS

Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers

2021 Draft: 24th Overall / College: Alabama

• View the top Najee Harris rookie cards on eBay.

Travis Etienne Jr. - Jacksonville Jaguars

2021 Draft: 25th Overall / College: Clemson

• View the top Travis Etienne rookie cards on eBay.

Javonte Williams - Denver Broncos

2021 Draft: 35th Overall / College: North Carolina

• View the top Javonte Williams rookie cards on eBay.

Trey Sermon - San Francisco 49ers

2021 Draft: 88th Overall / College: Ohio State

• View the top Trey Sermon rookie cards on eBay.

TOP WIDE RECEIVERS

Ja'Marr Chase - Cincinnati Bengals

2021 Draft: 5th Overall / College: LSU

• View the top Ja'Marr Chase rookie cards on eBay. 

Jaylen Waddle - Miami Dolphins

2021 Draft: 6th Overall / College: Alabama

• View the top Jaylen Waddle rookie cards on eBay. 

DeVonta Smith - Philadelphia Eagles

2021 Draft: 10th Overall / College: Alabama

• View the top DeVonta Smith rookie cards on eBay. 

Kadarius Toney - New York Giants

2021 Draft: 20th Overall / College: Florida

• View the top Kadarius Toney rookie cards on eBay. 

Elijah Moore - New York Jets

2021 Draft: 34th Overall / College: Ole Miss

• View the top Elijah Moore rookie cards on eBay. 

TOP TIGHT ENDS

Kyle Pitts - Atlanta Falcons

2021 Draft: 4th Overall / College: Florida

• View the top Kyle Pitts rookie cards on eBay. 

TOP DEFENSE

Micah Parsons - Dallas Cowboys

2021 Draft: 12th Overall / College: Penn State

• View the top Micah Parsons rookie cards on eBay.

Most-Watched 2021 Football Rookie Cards Hot List

This real-time football card list features the most-watched 2021 NFL rookie card auctions currently on eBay.

 

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