The 2023 Donruss Optic NFL collection offers a vibrant chrome take on the classic Donruss design, highly sought after for its Rated Rookies, diverse parallels, and striking inserts. This checklist overview highlights the key components of the set.
Base Set
The base set typically features around 200 cards, including veteran players and a substantial number of rookies. The design is a chromified version of the flagship Donruss set.
- Veterans: Approximately 100-150 established NFL stars.
- Rookies: Approximately 50-100 non-Rated Rookie cards of the incoming draft class.
Rated Rookies
A signature element of Donruss Optic, the Rated Rookies subset showcases the top NFL newcomers. These are among the most chased cards in the product, usually numbering around 100 distinct players.
Key Rated Rookies to look for include: C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, Quentin Johnston.
Parallels
Both the base set and Rated Rookies come in a wide array of Prizm parallels, varying in rarity and serial numbering. Common parallels include (serial numbering can vary):
- Holo
- Aqua (e.g., #/299)
- Orange (e.g., #/199)
- Blue (e.g., #/179 or #/149)
- Silver Circles / Wave (Retail exclusive)
- Red (e.g., #/99)
- Pink Velocity (Retail exclusive, e.g., #/79)
- Purple (e.g., #/50)
- Lime Green (e.g., #/35 or similar)
- Black Pandora (#/25)
- Gold (#/10)
- Green (#/5)
- Gold Vinyl (1/1)
Note: Specific parallels and their availability can differ between Hobby, Retail (Blasters, Mega Boxes, Cellos), and First Off The Line (FOTL) configurations.
Insert Sets
Donruss Optic is known for its dynamic and visually appealing insert sets. Popular inserts often include:
- Downtown!: Ultra-rare case hit featuring custom city-themed artwork for star players and rookies.
- Mythical: Features star players with striking designs.
- The Rookies: Highlights top rookie talent.
- Gridiron Kings: Art-inspired designs of top players.
- Light It Up: Focuses on electrifying players.
- White Hot Rookies: Another rookie-centric insert.
Many insert sets also have their own parallel versions, including Holo, Gold, and Gold Vinyl (1/1) variations.
Autograph Cards
The autograph checklist is a major draw, with a focus on on-card signatures, especially for rookies.
- Rated Rookie Autographs: The cornerstone autograph set, featuring on-card signatures from the 2023 rookie class. These come in various parallels mirroring the base Rated Rookie parallels (e.g., Holo, Blue #/75, Black Pandora #/25, Gold #/10, Gold Vinyl 1/1).
- Signature Series: Autographs from veteran stars and retired legends. Often available in Holo, Gold, and Gold Vinyl parallels.
- Legendary Patch Autographs: Featuring patches and autographs from iconic players.
- Rookie Patch Autographs: Limited autographs combined with player-worn memorabilia from top rookies.
- Mythical Autographs: Autographed versions of the Mythical insert set.
Memorabilia Cards
While Optic is primarily known for its chrome finish and autographs, some memorabilia cards are included:
- Rookie Phenom Jersey Autographs: Combining rookie autographs with memorabilia.
- Donruss Threads / Optic Threads: Featuring player-worn material from veterans and rookies. Usually includes Prime and Super Prime parallels.
Configuration Specifics: Collectors should note that Hobby boxes typically offer the best chance at low-numbered parallels and a higher concentration of autographs. Retail configurations (Blasters, Mega Boxes, Cello Packs) often contain exclusive parallels (e.g., Pink Velocity, Purple Shock, Silver Circles/Wave). First Off The Line (FOTL) boxes provide exclusive early access with guaranteed low-numbered parallels or autographs not found in regular Hobby boxes.
