5 Rookie NFL Running Back Cards to Collect

November 10, 2023
5
min read

The 2022 NFL rookie class is stacked with talented running backs who are poised to make an immediate impact in the league. As a football card collector and investor, rookie cards of promising running backs are always in high demand. Let's take a look at 5 rookie running back cards that you should look to add to your collection.

1. Breece Hall, New York Jets

Hall was the first running back selected in the 2022 NFL Draft when the Jets took him with the 36th overall pick. He finished his college career at Iowa State as the school's all-time leading rusher and showed the ability to be a true workhorse back.

The Jets lacked an explosive element out of the backfield last season, so Hall will have every chance to take on a big role right away. He has the size at 6'1" and 217 pounds to handle a heavy workload. Fantasy football players are already eyeing Hall as a high-upside RB2.

As a rookie card collector, Hall's 2022 Panini Prizm and Topps Chrome autographed rookie cards should be high on your want list. Given his potential three-down role on a Jets offense that is poised to take a step forward, Hall's rookie cards have a great shot at proving valuable long-term holds.

2. James Cook, Buffalo Bills

While Hall was the first running back drafted, Cook was the second when Buffalo nabbed him with the 63rd overall pick. He's a versatile weapon who flashed tremendous receiving ability at Georgia.

Cook steps into a great spot with a Bills offense that already boasted a dominant passing game. He can carve out a role as a receiver out of the backfield and take pressure off Devin Singletary. Josh Allen loves targeting his running backs, so Cook figures to see plenty of targets.

Buyers are pursuing Cook's 2022 Contenders Draft Picks ticket autographed rookie card. It pictures him with the Bills and has an on-card signature. If Cook emerges as a PPR weapon for Buffalo, this rookie card should see its value rise steadily.

3. Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans

Pierce didn't have gaudy college production behind Najee Harris at Alabama, but his talent and measurables are off the charts. The Texans selected him with the 107th overall pick.

Although Houston's roster lacks proven offensive weapons, Pierce will have an opportunity to lead their backfield. He showed the power to pick up tough yards between the tackles at 'Bama. The Texans also want to evaluate quarterback Davis Mills, so they figure to emphasize the run.

As a true freshman, Pierce flashed in a limited role behind Harris and Josh Jacobs. Texans fans hope he can deliver similar production in Houston. Pierce's 2022 Donruss rated rookie card is affordable now but could become one of the steals of this class if he breaks out as hoped.

4. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons offense features one of the league's best tight ends in Kyle Pitts and a budding star at wide receiver in Drake London. But after losing Cordarrelle Patterson to injury, their running back cupboard was bare entering the draft.

That led Atlanta to select Allgeier in the fifth round out of BYU. He was extremely productive in college, racking up over 2,500 rushing yards across his last two seasons. Allgeier also posted a blazing 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

Allgeier has a chance to emerge as the lead back in Atlanta as a rookie. His 2022 Panini Instant rookie ticket card offers an affordable option for collectors. Allgeier has the talent and opportunity for a breakout season that would send this Instant rookie ticket soaring in value.

5. Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders

Joining Allgeier as a great value pick among rookie running back cards is White. Like Allgeier, White was also a fifth-round selection after a productive college career. He topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his last two seasons at Georgia.

White lands on a Raiders team that just moved on from lead back Josh Jacobs. He and veteran Brandon Bolden could form a committee, but White has the most long-term upside. At 6'0" and 214 pounds with 4.4 speed, White can be a force between the tackles and as a receiver.

Collectors can find White's 2022 Panini Mosaic rookie cards for very affordable prices right now. If he stakes his claim to the Raiders' lead back role as a rookie, those Mosaic rookie cards will look like steals in the long run.

Bottom Line

The 2022 NFL rookie running back class appears poised to make an immediate splash. Hall, Cook, Pierce, Allgeier, and White are five backs who could become stars right off the bat. Investing in their rookie cards now before they become household names is the wise move.

Adding these five rookie running back cards to your collection carries some risk if they don't pan out as hoped. But the potential rewards if they do have great seasons make it well worth taking that chance.