Speculation always seems to be a theme for the National Football League draft for the organizations and their fans.
It’s amazing how the pundits analyze each pick and decide who is going to make it or who is going to be a bust.
The reality is that no one really knows. Only the perspective of time offers the results.
As a sports cards collector, it’s also a time look at rookies with much of the same analysis occurring as one thinks about purchasing something based on how good a player will be.
In 2016, two quarterbacks are expected to be drafted in the first two spots. They have cards on eBay already with bids over $100.
Just doesn’t make sense to me, but I’m one to spend about $10 for a few packs and let the cards fall where they may.
Carson Wentz of North Dakota State and Jared Goff of California haven’t played a down in the NFL and yet people are paying top dollar for their cards. Not sure which one will go first, but I’m pretty sure my budget isn’t going over $10.
For their sake, I hope both become Peyton Manning instead of Ryan Leaf.
Back in 1998, Manning was the first selection by the Indianapolis Colts.
The Tennessee legend won the second Super Bowl of his 18-year career last season and at some point his induction into the Football Hall of Fame is a certainty.
Manning’s 1998 rookie card featured with this story has been listed for sale at times for around $100.
Leaf, who was picked second behind Manning out of Washington State by the San Diego Chargers, played just 25 games in three seasons.
Wentz led North Dakota State to a pair of NCAA National Championships as a starter for the Bison in 2014 and 2015.
Goff decided to put his name in the draft after leading the Golden Bears to a 55-36 win over Air Force in the 2015 Armed Forces Bowl as he was named the Most Valuable Player.
Some History
If Wentz is the No. 1 choice of the Los Angeles Rams this year, he will be the first player from North Dakota State ever selected in the opening round.
The Bison have had three players chosen in the second round.
Defensive end Phil Hansen was picked by the Buffalo Bills in 1991. Wide Receiver Stacy Robinson was drafted by the New York Giants in 1985.
Linebacker Steve Nelson is the highest selection from North Dakota State when became the 34th overall pick of the New England Patriots in 1974.
Goff would be the second California player to be the top overall pick.
The Atlanta Falcons used the No. 1 choice in 1975 to take quarterback Steve Bartkowski, who would become the National Football Conference Rookie of the Year.
A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Bartkowski played with the Falcons until 1985. He ended his career with the Rams the following season.
Bartkowski earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in 1980 and 1981. His best season was in 1980 when the Falcons were 12-4 and he led the league with 31 touchdown passes.
His No. 10 is one of four numbers retired by the Falcons. His 1977 football card featured here is worth about $2 on a good day.
Sorry, Steve.