As the 2023 NFL season unfolds, collectors in the sports card market are constantly seeking new strategies. This article shifts the focus from the usual quarterback-dominated scene to the dynamic world of wide receivers.
Often overshadowed by their quarterback counterparts, wide receivers offer unique value in the sports card arena. This piece explores five exciting wideouts whose cards present intriguing opportunities for savvy collectors looking for aesthetic appeal and potential investment growth.
Justin Jefferson
Shop Justin Jefferson Rookie Cards on eBay
Standing at 6’1” and weighing around 205 lbs, Justin Jefferson was drafted as the 22nd overall pick in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Fun fact: the wide receiver used to collect passes from a certain Joe Burrow during his college days at LSU!
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Being the second rookie in franchise history to surpass 1,000+ yards is bound to boost your confidence, and Jefferson has shown no signs of slowing down this season. He has steadily started this season with 15.75 yards per reception and four touchdowns.
2020 Optic RC #163
The 2020 Optic Blue Scope PSA 10 is a solid card for moderate investors. The card is visually striking, featuring the Vikings WR sprinting down the sidelines in the Purple People Eaters jersey.
Jefferson’s full name, team name, and the Donruss Optic Logo can be found from left to right at the bottom of the card. The classic “Rated Rookie” logo is positioned in the top left-hand corner.
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Cooper Kupp
Next up is the Super Bowl LVI MVP himself: Cooper Kupp! Having been drafted out of East Washington by the LA Rams in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the wideout enjoyed a monster 2021-22 season, amassing a franchise-record 145 receptions.
An incredible athlete with strong hands and solid running routines, Kupp has already had 59 receptions and five touchdowns this season. As good (and good-looking) as he is, what does his 2017 Prizm Silver card in PSA 10 look like?
2017 Prizm Silver RC #203
Of course, the Rams wide receiver is front and center on this card, wearing the blue and white Rams kit that has since changed considerably. He has a bright red football securely in his right hand, and he is moving forward with a focused look on his face.
The typical silver-embossed side banners surround Kupp’s image. The card’s upper border features what can only be described as two L-shaped graphics positioned between black trim. The familiar Prizm logo sits at the center of the top border, with the star wideout’s nameplate featured on the bottom border.
Puka Nacua
Shop Puka Nacua PSA 10 on eBay
Speaking of a Rams WR, here is yet another: rookie Puka Nacua, who was selected by the franchise in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Having handily broken the Utah state records for career receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns, the young wideout put in quite the shift when senior teammate Kupp was sidelined due to injury for the first few games of the 2023 season.
2023 Panini Prizm Silver RC #357
His 2023 Panini Prizm Silver card is a beauty, featuring a brilliant yellow and royal blue theme reminiscent of the franchise itself. Utha’s “Mr. Footbal” makes up the card’s centerpiece, adorned in the blue kit with #17 on the front. He is seen to be running determinedly forward, head down and focused. A solid blue pentagonal border around the image completes the visual.
The Donruss Optic Logo can be found on the top right of the card, with the “Rated Rookie” logo and the WR’s name at the bottom from left to right.
Sam LaPorta
A tight end out of Iowa, LaPorta was selected as the 34th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. His senior season 2022 saw him amassing 58 receptions for 657 yards, which was impressive enough to earn him the Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year and a place in the All-Big Ten First Team.
The 22-year-old tight end’s Panini Prizm Rookie Card immediately captures your attention with a dazzling honeycomb-patterned background. Sandwiched between solid black borders is a picture of LaPorta himself, gripping the rock in his left hand and taking a confident stride forward in the blue-and-white colors of the Lions.
2023 Panini Prizm Rookie Card #332
You can spot the “Rookie Card” logo to the right of his head. The middle of the card’s top border features the franchise name (contained within a hexagonal shape), while in the middle of the bottom border, you can find the rookie’s full name and the “Panini Prizm” logo right below.
Chris Olave
Rounding out the list is a second year wide receiver – this one hailing from Ohio State – who made an instant impact as a New Orleans Saints rookie in 2022. Chris Olave breaks down opposition defenses with his acute cuts and dizzying pace and breaks records.
He is only the third Saint in history to surpass 1,000 yards and the second to lead the team in receptions, receiving yards, and yards per catch in his rookie campaign. Having crossed the 1,000-yard threshold already this season, Olave looks set to continue his fine form.
2022 Prizm Rookie Card #310
The 2022 Prizm Rookie Card #310 features the exciting wideout in the black and gold colors of the Saints, progressing forward with the football in his left hand. The card features a deep orange background with solid black borders around Olave’s picture.
The silver Prizm logo sits at the center of the top border, with the rookie’s nameplate featured on the bottom border. You can spot the golden “RC” logo at the top right as usual.