Top 2025 NFL Rookies: Value Picks for Collectors
The 2025 NFL rookie class doesn’t have a generational quarterback prospect like Caleb Williams or Trevor Lawrence (at least that’s what we believed going into their respective years), but the opportunity for value is still strong — especially in a year where many rookies land in wide-open depth charts.
This list isn’t just about who was drafted highest. Quarterbacks remain king in the hobby, so even fringe starters like Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough deserve top billing due to their upside.
For the rest of the list — including running backs and wide receivers — we’ve leaned into a “best bang for your buck” philosophy. These players combine talent, affordability, and the potential to pop during the season.
Here are 15 rookies to keep on your radar — and possibly in your collection — as the 2025 NFL season kicks off.
1. Cam Ward, QB – Tennessee Titans
Why he matters: Quarterbacks rule the hobby, and Ward is the top-ranked rookie passer for 2025. He’s a live-armed dual-threat talent who will try to live up to the #1 overall pick status.
Hobby Outlook: High risk, high reward. Early autos and low-numbered RCs could surge if he starts hot.
Shop for Cam Ward rookie cards on eBay
2. Ashton Jeanty, RB – Las Vegas Raiders
Why he matters: Jeanty is a top-tier athlete with receiving chops and burst — and he steps into a Raiders backfield that’s wide open.
Hobby Outlook: One of the top skill position bets. Early season buzz could lead to strong short-term flips.
Shop for Ashton Jeanty rookie cards on eBay
3. Jaxson Dart, QB – New York Giants
Why he matters: Dart was a surprise first round pick, but he joins an offense that lacks a clear long-term QB but has a few potential mentors. Mobility, toughness, and upside make him a true sleeper.
He’s always been asked to point in shoot in college, but if he gets on the field and can process, he’ll be okay.
Hobby Outlook: A stash play. If he earns playing time, base RCs and entry-level autos could spike.
Shop for Jaxon Dart rookie cards on eBay
4. Omarion Hampton, RB – Los Angeles Chargers
Why he matters: Hampton brings a physical presence to a retooled, run-heavy Chargers offense. If he claims the lead-back role, his value could climb quickly.
Hobby Outlook: High-volume potential makes him one of the safest RB plays in the class.
Shop for Omarion Hampton rookie cards on eBay
5. Tyler Shough, QB – New Orleans Saints
Why he matters: Shough bounces into Pittsburgh as a developmental QB behind a shaky depth chart. If he gets reps and flashes, hobby interest will follow. Pretty good chance he’ll be just like Derek Carr: throwing the ball far down the field or just getting rid of it.
Hobby Outlook: Sleeper, but just one strong performance could drive card spikes.
Shop for Tyler Shough rookie cards on eBay
6. Travis Hunter, WR – Jacksonville Jaguars
Why he matters: A former two-way college star, Hunter brings elite athleticism and highlight-making ability to a Jaguars WR room.Plus he’ll have Panini autos for sure. That’s big time.
Hobby Outlook: High immediate name recognition makes him a strong long-term investment.
Shop for Travis Hunter rookie cards on eBay
7. Tet McMillan, WR – Carolina Panthers
Why he matters: McMillan steps into a Panthers wide receiver corps where he could become Bryce Young’s top target.
Hobby Outlook: Productive WR1 potential — a great mid-tier pick for investors who don’t want to shell out big bucks.
Shop for Tet McMillian rookie cards on eBay
8. Luther Burden III, WR – Chicago Bears
Why he matters: A YAC threat who can change the game; needs opportunities.
Hobby Outlook: Late-season breakout candidate; a breakout game could send his cards trending.
Shop for Luther Burden rookie cards on eBay
9. TreVeyon Henderson, RB – New England Patriots
Why he matters: Speedy and three-down capable, Henderson is in a system known for back rotation.
Hobby Outlook: Long-term upside; needs volume for breakout.
Shop for Treveyon Henderson rookie cards on eBay
10. RJ Harvey, RB – Denver Broncos
Why he matters: Harvey enters an unclear backfield scenario — his hard-nosed style could earn early reps.
Hobby Outlook: Budget-friendly; could take off with Week 1 work.
Shop for RJ Harvey rookie cards on eBay
11. Emeka Egbuka, WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why he matters: A polished route-runner with last-round slide; has the tools for a top-50 WR.
Hobby Outlook: Buy-low pick with WR2/WR1 upside.
Shop for Emeka Egbuka rookie cards on eBay
12. Tyler Warren, TE – Indianapolis Colts
Why he matters: Athletic, athletic, athletic—Warren’s skill set suits a Richardson-led offense.
Hobby Outlook: Could break the TE mold with early production; worth a look.
Shop for Tyler Warren rookie cards on eBay
13. Colston Loveland, TE – Chicago Bears
Why he matters: Raw but intriguing TE joining a team lacking middle-field security.
Hobby Outlook: Deep stash; injury or late-season volume could push value.
Shop for Colston Loveland rookie cards on eBay
14. Kaleb Johnson, RB – Pittsburgh Steelers
Why he matters: Fits Pittsburgh’s power-running tradition; has strong physical tools.
Hobby Outlook: Patience required; follow his snap share and involvement.
Shop for Kaleb Johnson rookie cards on eBay
15. Quinshon Judkins, RB – Cleveland Browns
Why he matters: Judkins brings power and versatility, potentially complementing or replacing Nick Chubb in Cleveland.
Hobby Outlook: Touch-dependent; could bounce with consistent red-zone usage.
Shop for Quinshon Judkins rookie cards on ebay
Honorable menions of the top 2025 NFL rookie cards to collect
Cam Skattebo, Will Howard, Jalen Milroe –
| Tier | Rookies | Hobby Strategy |
| Quarterback First | Ward, Dart, Shough | Target autos/RCs early; just a few strong games can catalyze big price moves. |
| Skill Position Upside | Jeanty, Hampton, Hunter, McMillan | Highest early ROI; flip on early-season noise. |
| Mid-Term Hold Plays | Judkins, Henderson, Harvey, Egbuka | Buy now and stash—snap and role clarity juicy midseason. |
| Deep Stash/Rotation | Warren, Loveland, Johnson, Burden | Affordable base and parallel cards; wait for breakout usage. |
Quarterbacks continue to dominate in card values, but smart skill-position plays — selected for affordability and upside — can deliver big returns.
Combine high-upside QB grabs with mid-tier RB/WR underdogs, and you have a solid rookie-collection strategy.
