Note: At the time of this writing, the author holds an eTopps portfolio with a position in Clinton Portis 2002 cards. Make your own investment decisions.

Here are a few sleeper cards from the 2002 football set - ones that you might want to look at for future growth. The key word here is growth. This article looks at some cards that are trading for well below their potential value, and is not a search for the highest valued card in 2003. That is why you may be surprised at some of the picks. For the most part, these guys carry significant risk since most require a successful franchise to show any growth. But, in the right conditions, history has shown that they will do well.

2002 Clinton Portis
Print Run: 6000
Previous Issues: None
Current Trading Value - 15.50
Value in one month - 17.00
Value in one year - 22.50

Portis was the most successful 2002 issue, and it's still got room to grow. Portis should hold his value and if the Broncos can make some noise in the playoffs next year he will be a huge part of their success. He's young, durable, extremely talented, and a media magnet. All that should translate into continued success on the football field and growth in his eTopps card.

2002 Brian Griese
Print Run: 2909
Previous Issue: 2001 - 505 PR
Current Trading Value - 4.00
Value in one month - 4.00
Value in one Year - 9.00

Everyone loves a winner. Everyone ignores an injured, mediocre talent. Currently Brian Griese falls into the latter category and his card value reflects that belief. However, when he heals, he is the leading candidate to lead the Broncos on the field in 2003. If he is able to lead them to the playoffs (as he probably would have done this year had he stayed healthy) this card will show some significant growth. Of course, the 2001 card - with only 505 printed - will show greater growth, but at a current value of $4.00, this card has very little downside. Also, since the 2001 PR is so small, many will opt for the 2002 issue. Why pay $55.00 for one of 505, when you can pay $10.00 for one of 2909?

2002 Brian Urlacher
Print Run: 2000
Previous Issues: 2001 - 1146 PR
Current Trading Value - 7.25
Value in one month - 7.00
Value in one year - 12.50

Urlacher is one of those that everyone loves. His teammates love him. The media loves him. The fans love him. All he needs is a winning team for his value to skyrocket. Of course, should the Bears NOT suck in 2003, the 2001 Urlacher will see the most growth, and could easily reach $40.00. But with only 3,146 Urlachers out there, the 2002 issue could see some nice growth as well.

2002 Laveranues Coles
Print Run: 2,285
Previous Issues: None
Current Trading Value - 6.50
Value in one Month - 12.00
Value in one year - 25.00

I like this card a lot. If the Jets can continue their remarkable run all Jets cards will be lifted. As Coles' first card this card could benefit the most. But if you did not get him at IPO you may have to pay through the nose for him.

2002 Trent Green
Print Run: 2000
Previous Issues: 2001 - 313 PR
Current Trading Value - 4.05
Value in one Month - 4.05
Value in one year - 10.00

The Chiefs' offense was one of the most explosive in the NFL this past year. They just missed making the playoffs when Priest Holmes went down with a hip injury. Then they had to play Oakland on a sloppy field. By his own right Green was a very exciting passer, but he needs a successful franchise for his card to become more collectable. With all of the great quarterbacks in the league, he gets lost in the shuffle. The Chiefs are one of those teams that always seems to be knocking on the door. If they can find a way to knock that door down in 2003 this card will have some value.

2002 Priest Holmes
Print Run 5000
Previous Issues: 2001 - 418
Current Value: 5.50
Value in one Month: 5.00
Value in one year: 12.00

His spectacular 2002 season ended prematurely with a hip injury in the 15th week of the season. Without that, the Chiefs would have almost certainly steamrolled into the playoffs, and Holmes into the record books for most single season touchdowns. Because of this injury (Can you say Bo Jackson?) people will be wary until he proves that he is healthy - and that won't be until sometime next season. So, this card should remain inexpensive for a while. You may not want to wait. If he picks up where he left off last season this card will show some nice growth. With only 418 cards printed in the first run, people will look here for their Priest Holmes card.