Collecting rookie cards of NFL players is a time-honored tradition for football fans and card collectors alike. Rookie cards often see the most demand, as they're the first officially licensed trading cards released of players once they enter the NFL. Naturally, the top rookies tend to have the hottest rookie cards on the market.

This year's crop of NFC rookies isfilled with exciting talent, led by a highly touted quarterback class. Several skill position players also have the potential to be offensive stars. Defensively, multiple rookie defenders look primed to make an immediate impact.

With so many promising first-year players in the NFC, it can be tough to narrow down the best rookie card options. Here's a look at five must-have NFC rookie cards that are sure to be solid additions to any collection:

1. Trevor Lawrence - 2021 Panini Prizm

As the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence will garner tons of hobby interest right out of the gate. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback lands in a great spot to produce big numbers early on.

Lawrence's 2021 Panini Prizm rookie card will be the most coveted of his first-year releases. The Prizm brand is always hugely popular each year, known for its bold colors and modern designs. This clean base rookie card features Lawrence in his Jaguars uniform against a green and black background.

On-card autographs and numbered parallels of Lawrence's Prizm rookie will be the big chase items. But even the more affordable base versions will see strong demand from collectors trying to land this future franchise QB.

2. Kyle Pitts - 2021 Donruss Rated Rookie

One of the most athletic tight end prospects ever, Kyle Pitts was selected fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons. Given his rare combination of size, speed, and pass-catching ability, Pitts has superstar potential.

For the short term, Pitts' 2021 Donruss Rated Rookie card looks like the best buy. These cards have an iconic design that collectors love, featuring a large portrait photo of Pitts against a blue background.

The Donruss brand is affordable yet respected, making it easier for Kyle Pitts collectors to obtain his Rated Rookie card in graded gem mint condition. If Pitts lives up to expectations, his Donruss rookie should appreciate nicely over time.

3. Micah Parsons - 2021 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket

The Dallas Cowboys struck gold with linebacker Micah Parsons, who fell to pick #12 and immediately became a defensive cornerstone. Parsons earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after a dominant first season.

Collectors will be chasing Parsons' 2021 Panini Contenders card, which pictures him during his Penn State college days. Contenders is one of the most popular football products each year thanks to its Rookie Ticket autographs. Parsons' signed rookie card will certainly be a gem for Cowboys fans.

Even unsigned base versions of Parsons' Contenders rookie card could be a smart pickup. This perennial set remains a collecting favorite, and Parsons' early ascent should keep his rookie in high demand.

4. DeVonta Smith - 2021 Panini Select

An elite route runner with sticky hands, DeVonta Smith heads to the Philadelphia Eagles as the top wide receiver selected. Playing in a high-powered offense, Smith is expected to become quarterback Jalen Hurts' favorite target.

Collectors will likely gravitate toward Smith's 2021 Panini Select rookie card. These cards have an ultra modern look, with a selected player image layered on top of colorful geometrical designs. This flashy Select rookie card perfectly captures the excitement around Smith's big-play potential.

With the Eagles offense on the rise, Smith's Select rookie should be one of the top wide receiver cards from the 2021 class. Parallels and autographs will be extremely popular if he breaks out as expected.

5. Jaycee Horn - 2021 Panini Mosaics

The Carolina Panthers selected cornerback Jaycee Horn eighth overall to help solidify their secondary. The confident Horn has the size and skill set to develop into a shutdown corner at the pro level.

Right now, Horn's 2021 Panini Mosaics rookie card looks to be his most intriguing. Mosaics cards have a unique pixelated design resembling a digital mosaic. Horn's pose against a bright blue background pops off the card.

With high expectations as a top ten pick, Horn's Mosaics rookie will be sought-after if he excels in Carolina. The Scarlet Chrome parallels should also draw interest from collectors if Horn makes his mark as an elite rookie defender.

Chasing Exciting NFC Rookies

The NFC is loaded with promising first-year talent heading into the 2022 season. Trevor Lawrence, Kyle Pitts, Micah Parsons, DeVonta Smith, Jaycee Horn, and several others have bright futures. Rookie cards of these rising NFC stars will be hot commodities in the collecting world.

When building a rookie card portfolio, focusing on respected products like Prizm, Donruss, Contenders, Select, and Mosaics is the way to go. These brands consistently deliver the most coveted rookie releases each year. Targeting NFC standouts as early as possible will provide the opportunity to acquire top rookies at more affordable prices.

Of course, obtaining PSA or BGS graded gem mint copies of premier rookies is the ultimate goal for serious collectors. Landing high-grade rookies of emerging NFC talents before they become superstars will yield huge rewards down the road. Staying ahead of the curve when adding young players is critical in this hobby.

For NFC fans and collectors alike, the incoming rookie class provides tons of possibilities. Building a collection of the conference's newest stars will be both fun and rewarding. Chasing Trevor Lawrence, Kyle Pitts, Micah Parsons, and other promising NFC rookies looks like a fantastic plan for 2022 and beyond!