Tag Archives: panini contenders 2018

NFL

Berrios, Braxton ‘Honey Nut Berrios’

Card: Panini Contenders 2018
Acquired: 2018, Box Breaker

Braxton Berrios played 4 years for the Miami Hurricanes from 2014 to 2017 at wide receiver and punt returner. His best year came as a Senior, when he logged 55 receptions for 679 yards and 9 TDs. He finished at Miami with 100 receptions for 1175 yards and 14 TDs, to go along with 47 punt returns for 488 yards and a TD. He’d be selected in the 6th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots with the idea of grooming him into the next slot receiving sensation.

With Julian Edelman, Philip Dorsett, Chris Hogan pretty much set at the starting spots, and Cordarrelle Patterson, Eric Decker, Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, and Jordan Matthews battling it out for scraps it looked like Berrios might the rookie caught looking in. As the preseason progressed however, the smoke cleared, and with Matthews, Mitchell, and Britt, all leaving the team before the end of the preseason, it looked like Braxton might stand a dark horse chance of making the roster and having a real impact. Injuries too impacted Braxton’s tape during the preseason- and ultimately he’d end his rookie season on IR. He’d be cut after training camp in 2019, but quickly scooped up by the New York Jets. On the season he’d make 6 catches for 115 yards including a 69 yard long, while returning kicks (4 for 48 yards) and punts (21 for 240 yards) for the Jets.

OK. Gotta give Panini credit on this card. It is a really nice one. Braxton’s face is really clear in this image, and colors are all spot on. A highly slanted autograph with really pronounced ‘B’s, Braxton’s autograph even compliments this canvas well.

Uncategorized

McCray, Mike ‘Big Play’

Card: Panini Contenders 2018
Acquired: 2018 Box Breaker

Mike McCray played linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines. While there for the school from 2013 to 2017. A rare 5th year Senior, Mike really only saw sizable action in 2016 and 2017. In both years he made it count, being named to the All Big 10 squad. Mike finished his career at Big Blue with 154 total tackles (96 solo, 58 assists), 30.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 interceptions for 36 yards and a TD- which he scored in the 2016 Orange Bowl versus Florida State. He would not be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, but signed with the Miami Dolphins. Shortly afterwards he’d announce his retirement on Twitter and informing the fan base that he was done with the sport.

Wow, good job Panini. That’s two players I’ve gotten through blaster boxes that retired before they even hit the field. The card is decent looking enough, but the silver nameplate is lost in the sea of deep blue. Also Mike has a terrible and uninspiring autograph.

AAF, NFL

Allen, Austin

Card: Panini Contenders Draft Picks 2018
Acquired: 2019, Box Breaker

Austin Allen played for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2014 to 2017. He saw significant playing time as both a Junior and Senior, and over his 4 years in Fayetteville, he threw for 5,045 yards (359/607) and 36 TDs as a traditional drop back passer.

He’d be signed after the 2018 NFL Draft as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the top 3 spots essentially settled at QB for the Bucs, Allen got his most playtime in during the final preseason game against the Jaguars. He’d complete 4 of 10 passes for 64 yards and a pick.

After being cut, Austin quickly found a home with the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football. During the AAF Protect or Pick QB Draft, Allen was selected in the 3rd round by the Salt Lake City Stallions.

During the preseason, Austin was 5 of 7 for 65 yards against Memphis. He’d back up Josh Woodrum at QB for the entire season, seeing his most extensive action in week 2 against Birmingham. Allen was 15/31 for 114 yards versus the Iron.

After the dissolution of the AAF, Austin was most recently spotted trying out for the XFL 2020 initiative but was not selected in the league’s draft.