Fast Five: NFL rookies who impress Buzz so far in 2021

Fast Five is a quick list that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection or new focus -- five things that could be fun for a beginner or a new way to add something to your stash if you're a grizzled veteran.

This time? Five NFL rookies who are impressing Buzz this season (on offense).

THE TOP QB
Mac Jones -- QB, Patriots (Rookie Cards in 2021 boxes)
Trevor Lawrence got all the attention heading into the season -- especially on cardboard with his own standalone crd sets -- but while the yardage is there for him pretty much nothing else is impressive on the NFL rookie stat sheet this year or in the standings. Mac Jones, though? The numbers are there as him being the top rookie QB of the year so far with 245 of 349 passes completed for 2,540 yards and 14 TDs with just eight picks in 11 games. He's 399 yards ahead of Lawrence (who has only played 10 games and only has eight TDs). Jones isn't as mobile as, say, Lawrence or Justin Fields but the numbers are there and his team is atop the AFC East, too. Are the stats freakish like, say, Justin Herbert last year? Nope, but they don't seem to be unrealistic to show that he's done well and could be around for some time. He's expensive as an Alabama title-winner -- he'll always be popular in that regard -- so I'd be selective with grabs, but all those pricey cards could still have a big up-side if he's the franchise guy like people hope.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

A SURPRISE?
Elijah Mitchell -- RB, 49ers (Rookie Cards in 2021 boxes)
He's not the No. 1 rookie RB on the stat sheet but he might be the top surprise. This sixth-round pick out of Louisiana has 116 carries for 560 yards and three TDs this year in just seven games. They aren't amazing numbers but really they are only topped by one RB this season -- and that guy is next. With his lower draft spot he doesn't have as much NFL cardboard -- but he was on a number of college cards -- so I'd look there first if you want to dabble.

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THE TOP RB
Najee Harris -- RB, Steelers (Rookie Cards in 2021 boxes)
He's got 188 carries for 685 yards and five rushing TDs in 10 games this season -- all highs for rookies -- and then he's got 49 catches for 337 yards and two TDs atop that. Harris was the first RB taken in this year's draft and only one wide receiver has more catches than he does this season, too. That alone impresses me -- Harris has more catches than the likely Rookie of the Year winner as things look right now. His cheaper stuff likely has room to move though his autograph isn't all that impressive to look at. (Travis Etienne was the second RB taken but is out all season with an injury ... further reinforcing Harris as the top high-profile back who will get a lot of attention.)

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THE TOP WR?
Ja'Marr Chase -- WR, Bengals (Rookie Cards in 2021 boxes)
The fifth pick in this year's draft has had some huge games that all add up to a season that has 47 catches for 867 yards and eight TDs. Nobody else is close on yards or TDs for newcomers, while one other guy is a runaway for receptions. The Joe Burrow-Chase connection is one that is primed for good cardboard interest for sure. I like his serial-numbered stuff in this colorful Bengals unis more than just the basics here as he'll have a lot and WRs just don't get as much attention as QBs and RBs.

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ENDING WITH A TIE
Jaylen Waddle & DeVonta Smith -- WRs, Dolphins/Eagles (Rookie Cards in 2021 boxes)
Waddle is the WR getting all the volume for catches this year with a runaway total of 68 receptions with 622 yards and three TDs, while his college teammate and the Heisman winner, Smith, also isn't shabby with 664 yards (trailing only Chase) on 46 catches with four TDs. Neither of these guys have boatloads of cash being spent on everything out there for them -- there are bargains to be found -- and they may be easier flips for smaller profits compared to other top guys mentioned here.

A ridiculous final thought? Yes, there are four Alabama guys on this list of six -- and yes, I'm a fan there, but the stats really don't lie so far this year. (And if you falsely consider this a pump ... then I'm pumping stuff that will simply cost me more as I'm a buyer.) How things go from here until the season is over will separate the best from the rest and you can chew on all of the rookie stats right here. It will be interesting to see how everything looks at season's end -- I'll probably do an update or a new five at that time. 

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What would you want to see in a future Fast Five? Let Buzz know on Twitter or email.

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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

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