C.J. Stroud's Rookie Cards: Hot Picks for NFL Collectors

C.J. Stroud's remarkable entry into the NFL, marked by his status as a top quarterback in the 2023 rookie class, has made his rookie cards a focal point for collectors. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State Buckeye has lived up to the high expectations set for him, fueling the demand for his trading cards.

For enthusiasts and collectors looking to acquire some of C.J. Stroud's most notable rookie cards, here's a guide to some of the top picks:

1. 2023 Donruss Rated Rookie C.J. Stroud RC #339: A classic choice from Donruss Football, this card is a favorite among collectors. It features a base Rated Rookie card of Stroud, complemented by a selection of different parallels and an Optic Preview card. His Downtown insert from the same series is especially sought-after for its scarcity and value.
2. 2023 Donruss Elite C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/999): Offering a blend of rarity and accessibility, this card from Donruss Elite includes a base version limited to 999 copies, with more exclusive parallels available.
3. 2023 Panini Black C.J. Stroud RC #154: In the 2023 Panini Black Football series, Stroud's rookie card might be challenging to find due to the limited number of cards per box, which typically include a mix of autographs or relics.
4. 2023 Panini Gold Standard C.J. Stroud RC #112 (#/99): This card from Gold Standard is limited to just 99 copies and features Stroud in a series that also includes Platinum parallels and high-end inserts like Double Eagle.
5. 2023 Panini Mosaic C.J. Stroud RC #292: As one of the most accessible and mainstream options, Panini Mosaic Football offers a variety of high-end parallels and key inserts for Stroud, appealing to a wide range of collectors.
6. 2023 Panini Plates & Patches C.J. Stroud RC #163: This series, known for its scarcity of base cards, includes a coveted C.J. Stroud rookie card, making it a valuable find for collectors.

In terms of autographs, while there's a noticeable gap in pack-pulled autographs featuring Stroud in his Texans uniform, collectors can find several collegiate and prospect autograph cards from various manufacturers. A notable licensed NFL autograph card to look out for is the 2023 Panini Instant RPS First Look Autographs C.J. Stroud #42 (#/391), one of the few direct-to-consumer autographs available. Additionally, the 2023 Topps Now Draft Football card, although not NFL licensed, features an on-card autograph of Stroud from his NFL Draft night.

As the 2023 football card season progresses, collectors can anticipate a wider range of C.J. Stroud rookie cards, including those from popular brands. Whether collectors seek budget-friendly options or rare, valuable inserts and autographs, C.J. Stroud's rookie cards offer a variety of choices for fans and collectors alike, highlighting his promising start in the NFL.