2018 Donruss Football Checklist: Your Ultimate Guide

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey football card fanatics! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the exciting world of the 2018 Donruss Football set? This year's release brought a fresh wave of rookies, stunning inserts, and the always-coveted Rated Rookie cards. If you're on the hunt to complete your set, chase a specific player, or simply want to know what treasures await within those packs, then you're in the right place. This comprehensive 2018 Donruss Football checklist is your ultimate guide. We'll be breaking down everything from the base cards to the rarest parallels, giving you the knowledge you need to navigate this popular set like a seasoned pro. So grab your coffee (or energy drink), and let's get started!

Understanding the 2018 Donruss Football Set

Before we jump into the 2018 Donruss Football checklist itself, let's get a quick overview of what makes this set so special. Donruss is a brand known for its eye-catching designs, vibrant photography, and affordability, making it a favorite among collectors of all levels. The 2018 edition continued this tradition, offering a wide array of cards that appeal to both casual fans and serious investors. The set is packed with rookies who would soon become NFL stars, making it a desirable set to collect. The design is clean and modern, highlighting the players with bold colors and dynamic action shots. Plus, the inclusion of several different inserts gives it a chase element that keeps collectors engaged. It's a fun and exciting set to collect, whether you are after a specific player or just want to try and collect the whole set. It has something for everyone, making it a great choice for new and seasoned collectors. One of the key aspects of the 2018 Donruss Football set is its focus on the Rated Rookie cards. These cards feature the top rookies from the 2018 draft class, and they are highly sought after by collectors. You can expect to find some of the biggest names in the NFL from that rookie class! This year's set, in particular, has cards from some of the most popular and collectible players in the league, making it a great set to invest in or simply collect to have. Additionally, the set includes a variety of inserts, such as Optic, which has become a staple of Donruss football releases and is known for its chromium-like finish. Also, the set includes a mix of memorabilia and autographed cards, and other parallels.

Base Set Breakdown

The base set of the 2018 Donruss Football set is the foundation of the collection, and it’s where you'll find the main set of players in the NFL. The base set typically includes a mix of veteran players, rising stars, and of course, the rookies. These are cards that are not numbered but do have different variations to hunt for. The base cards are the most common in the set, but they still hold a lot of value. They showcase a variety of players, and this year's base set has some great players to collect.

  • Base Cards: The standard cards featuring a player's image, name, and team. These cards are the most accessible and form the core of the set.
  • Rookie Cards: Rookie cards are the ones collectors love. These cards are the most collected and have some of the biggest names in the NFL. Be on the lookout for cards of players like Saquon Barkley, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson, to name a few. These are the cards that often drive the most interest in a set.
  • Variations: Keep your eyes peeled for variations, which can include different photos, card backs, or other subtle differences. These are a great bonus to the base set.

Parallels and Inserts

Beyond the base cards, the 2018 Donruss Football set offers a variety of parallels and inserts that add excitement and chase to the collecting experience. These cards are usually harder to find and can be very valuable. Parallels are essentially variations of the base cards, distinguished by different colors, patterns, and materials. Inserts, on the other hand, are special cards with unique designs and themes.

Parallels

  • Holo/Press Proof: These parallels feature a shiny finish, enhancing the card's visual appeal. They are not as rare as some of the other parallels, but they still stand out in a collection. Look for these to have a foil-like appearance.
  • Rated Rookie: These parallels are exclusive to the rookie cards. They have some unique designs and can be very valuable. Collectors love to chase these!
  • The Optic: This is a fan-favorite, which gives the cards a chromium-like finish. They have a distinct shine and are often more valuable than the base cards. These are a must-have for any collector.

Inserts

  • Rated Rookies: This is a classic insert set featuring the top rookies in the 2018 draft class. These cards are very desirable and can be very valuable. These are the most sought-after cards in the set.
  • Press Proof: These cards have unique designs and backgrounds, making them stand out from the base cards. Look for these to have some of your favorite players in a cool design!
  • The Gridiron Kings: Gridiron Kings is an insert that features action shots and portraits of NFL stars. These cards are very fun to collect. The unique design is what makes these cards stand out in a collection.

Checklist: Navigating the 2018 Donruss Football Set

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the 2018 Donruss Football checklist itself! This comprehensive list will help you track your progress, identify the cards you need, and ensure you don't miss any hidden gems. Keep in mind that checklists can be quite extensive, so we'll break it down into manageable sections, covering base cards, rookies, parallels, and inserts. This should give you a good idea of what's out there to collect.

Base Set Checklist

  • [Player Name] - Base
  • [Player Name] - Base
  • [Player Name] - Base
  • ... (Continue listing all base cards)

Rated Rookie Checklist

  • Saquon Barkley - Rated Rookie
  • Baker Mayfield - Rated Rookie
  • Lamar Jackson - Rated Rookie
  • ... (Continue listing all Rated Rookie cards)

Parallel Checklist

  • [Player Name] - Holo/Press Proof
  • [Player Name] - Rated Rookie (various parallels)
  • [Player Name] - Optic
  • ... (Continue listing all parallel cards)

Insert Checklist

  • [Player Name] - Rated Rookies
  • [Player Name] - Gridiron Kings
  • [Player Name] - Press Proof
  • ... (Continue listing all insert cards)

(Note: Due to the extensive nature of a complete checklist, the above lists are examples. You can find a complete, detailed checklist online. We recommend using online resources like Beckett or trading card databases for a complete listing.)

Tips for Collecting 2018 Donruss Football

So, you've got your 2018 Donruss Football checklist, and you're ready to start collecting. Awesome! Here are some tips to help you along the way:

  • Set a Budget: Collecting can be addictive, so set a budget and stick to it. Determine how much you're willing to spend each month or for each purchase.
  • Prioritize Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to complete the entire base set, chase specific rookies, or collect certain inserts? Knowing your goals will help you focus your efforts.
  • Buy Singles: Buying individual cards (singles) is often more cost-effective than buying packs, especially if you're looking for specific cards. You can find a lot of cards this way!
  • Trade with Others: Trading with fellow collectors is a great way to acquire cards you need and build your network in the hobby. This is one of the fun parts of the hobby.
  • Protect Your Cards: Invest in card sleeves, top loaders, and binders to protect your cards from damage. This will help them last a long time.
  • Research Prices: Before buying or selling cards, research current market prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal. This is an important part of the hobby!
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news, releases, and trends in the hobby by following blogs, social media groups, and online forums. The hobby is always changing!

Conclusion: Happy Collecting!

There you have it, folks! Your complete guide to the 2018 Donruss Football checklist, with a breakdown of what to expect, and some helpful tips to guide you through the process. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 2018 Donruss Football set offers something for everyone. So, get out there, enjoy the hunt, and happy collecting! Don't forget to have fun! The most important thing is to enjoy the experience of collecting these awesome cards. Remember to check out your favorite players and start working on your collection! Good luck with your collecting, and may your packs be filled with your favorite players! Happy hunting, and may the odds be ever in your favor! Remember to always keep learning and be patient. The best part is the journey.