EAGAN, Minn. — In the world of sports cards and collectibles there is nothing more exciting than the NFL Draft.
At Triple Diamond Sports Cards and Collectibles in Eagan employees are preparing for the instant influx of Minnesota collectors.
“People always want the hot new rookie,” co-owner Alex Davis says.
This year the Vikings are expected to draft their quarterback of the future.
Davis says whoever the Vikings pick will instantly become a fan favorite among collectors.
“Collectors really go after the quarterbacks. The quarterback is the guy who helms the team,” Davis says.
“Basically, collectors really like those first few quarterbacks, the top one or two wide receivers, the top defensive player and the best running back.”
Employees at the shop have several theories when it comes to who the Vikings will pick as their next quarterback.
“There’s a lot of talk about the team packaging up those two first round picks in a deal to try and move up in the draft. Someone like a Drake Maye, but I do like JJ McCarthy myself. I think he’s a winner. He showed it this year with Michigan,” Davis says.
Another popular theory at the shop is the Vikings striking a monumental trade with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Bundling those picks and other picks to try and land Justin Herbert.”
Davis says that trade may be a long shot, but he says it’s fun to speculate and come up with possible scenarios.
“You know, it would be the Vikings to totally surprise us and not draft a quarterback at all. I could see that happening. You just never know what they’re going to do,” Davis says.
Whoever the Vikings pick as their next quarterback, Minnesota collectors may have a difficult time finding their autographed rookie cards this year.
Davis says there are two main companies in football cards right now, Panini and Fanatics.
He says Fanatics recently purchased the card manufacturer Topps in a bold move to break into the sports card market.
“Panini still holds the rights to produce the cards, with the NFL team names and logos,” Davis explains.
However, Davis says Fanatics is trying to sign exclusive contracts with some of the hot NFL rookies this year.
If those contracts go through Davis says some of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft may not be allowed to sign autographs for Panini.
“It’s an interesting situation between these two companies right now,” Davis explains.
He says Panini still has the right to print rookie cards that feature the names and likeness of these NFL rookies, but it’s likely some of those rookies won’t be able to sign on-card autographs until Fanatics starts printing football cards in 2025.
“I’m hoping the two companies can work something out before the season starts.”
Davis says there’s a chance the two companies could strike a short-term deal to give collectors a chance to buy autographed cards of their favorite rookie players.
He says the first sets of cards that feature the 2024 rookies won’t come out until later this year.
“Usually, it takes a few months to make the cards. They should have them ready before the season starts,” Davis says.
So, again, who will the Vikings take? Will it be Maye? McCarthy? Penix? Nix? Or someone else?
Whoever the team picks, Davis says that player will instantly become a hit with Minnesota collectors.
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