So much for “sitting and learning.” The Houston Texans stuck their rookie quarterback into the fire just two quarters into the season and now Deshaun Watson rookie cards are starting to rise above the rest of the 2017 NFL draft class.
After trading up to select Watson with the 12th pick, the Texans’ plan to ease him along went out the window in a hurry. In week three of his rookie season, Watson nearly led Houston to an upset of the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
It was no fluke.
Watson’s third start was an eye-opener. He threw for four touchdowns and ran for another in a win over Tennessee, something no rookie quarterback had done since Fran Tarkenton in 1961. Watson finished 25-of-34 for 283 yards and ended the day with a 125.0 passer rating. The Texans’ 57 points were the most in franchise history.
Watson already has a huge pile of rookie cards and has signed thousands. Most of the early issues from Panini and Leaf show him in his Clemson uniform and most (though not all) carry sticker autographs but collectors didn’t shy away. In all, 16 of his low serial numbered rookie cards have sold for over $1,000.
Products issued since the start of the 2017 season show Watson in his blue and red Houston uniform, all taken at the NFL Rookie Premier in Los Angeles last spring with more to follow.
High-end 2017 NFL card products will arrive later in the year, likely with on-card signatures. One thing that won’t hurt, assuming Watson continues to play well, is that his signature is at least somewhat legible, unlike many other players.
Prices for Watson autographed cards have been solid but somewhat surprisingly, haven’t really exploded yet.
You can see the top 25 most watched Deshaun Watson rookie cards through the live list below.
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