Buzz Break: 2018 Panini Contenders Draft Picks (blaster)

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Panini Contenders Draft Picks football cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Packs per box: 7
Cards per pack: 6
Cards in this box: 42
Base set completion: 
35 of 100 (35 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables found on base cards – Nick Saban, Joe Namath, Mack Brown, Antonio Brown, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Jerry Rice, Roger Staubach, Deshaun Watson, Brian Bosworth, Michael Irvin, Eric Dickerson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Aaron Rodgers, J.J. Watt, Andrew Luck

Insert cards: 5 (all in gallery below with some base)
Game Day Ticket (2) – Nick Chubb, Sam Darnold
Old School Colors (1) – Tom Brady
School Colors (1) – Baker Mayfield
Collegiate Connections (1) – Simmie Cobbs Jr. & Jordan Howard

Autographs/Memorabilia: 2
College Ticket autographs (2) – Khalid Hill, Brandon Facyson

What's Buzz-worthy: As said in a past break of this one here, the formula for this one is very similar to past years but with far fewer insert cards per box but with a crisp and more sophisticated feel vs. at least last year. It's an improvement -- and I've had no problems with past Contenders Draft sets -- and one of the better Contenders ticket designs of the last few years, too. This particular box's autos are a pair of undrafted guys who have been signed. The design here is solid despite the limitations of historic college photos. The addition of some coaches helps flesh out the college feel more -- they are a big deal in their states -- making it slightly more than just a basic draft picks release with old-timers. (Here's hoping for notable college coach autos in the mix at some point.) The inserts are similar to past releases here names-wise but these, too, have a more detailed feel to the design. This box was a winner on the insert front, though it didn't include a parallel like a past one ripped here, and the base cards are packed with stars.

Product Grade: A
Box Grade: A-
Fun Grade: A-

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