Kenneth Walker III
Running Back · Michigan State Spartans / Seattle Seahawks
Panini Score Football #P-16
Year & Era
2022 — Modern Era (Post-Panini License Entry)
Card Type
Insert — 'Protential' Rookie Card
Grade
7.5 - 8.5 (Near Mint - NM/MT) estimated
Rarity
Common; 'Protential' is a mass-produced insert found frequently in 2022 Blaster and Mega boxes.
Overall Assessment
A clean, attractive collegiate rookie insert of a star NFL running back. Ideal for Spartans fans or player-completionist collectors, but not a high-yield investment piece.
Condition Grade
7.5 - 8.5 (Near Mint - NM/MT) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front centering appears slightly heavy on the right side (~60/40); top-to-bottom looks relatively balanced (~50/50).
Surface Condition
Excellent to Mint; the matte finish typical of Score inserts shows no major scratches or dimples under standard light, though slight fingerprinting may be present.
Corner Condition
Sharp; the bottom right corner shows some minor white ticking (typical for paper-stock sets like Score), while others appear relatively clean.
Edge Condition
Near Mint; standard minor rough-cut edges typical of retail Score production, common when these cards are processed through high-speed cutters.
Print Quality
Standard; decent color saturation with a clear image of Walker in his college uniform. The 'Protential' text is sharp with no visible bleed.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $3.00 (Raw); $15.00 - $25.00 (PSA 9/10). Note: High supply of Score inserts limits raw value.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is typical for the set; Score is a paper-stock brand prone to minor corner whitening straight from the pack.
Authentication Tips
Verify the card stock thickness and the presence of the Panini logo/legal text on the back. Forgery of this specific low-value insert is exceedingly rare.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless for personal collection. The cost of grading ($15+) exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the card appears authentic and unaltered.
Provenance Notes
Likely pulled from a 2022 Panini Score retail pack (Target/Walmart) or hobby box.
Historical Context
Marks Walker's transition from Heisman-candidate status at MSU to second-round NFL draft pick for the Seahawks.
Market Trends
Stable; Walker's market fluctuates with his performance in Seattle, but his collegiate-jersey cards generally lag behind his NFL-jersey cards (Prizm/Optic).
Investment Potential
Low; utility as a 'bulk' rookie card. Long-term value is capped by the massive print runs of the base Score set.
Similar Cards
Breece Hall 2022 Score Protential, Kenneth Walker III 2022 Donruss Rated Rookie, Kenneth Walker III 2022 Prizm Draft Picks.
Display & Preservation
Store in a standard penny sleeve and top loader. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the paper stock from fading.
Interesting Facts
The 'Protential' insert name is a portmanteau of 'Pro' and 'Potential', highlighting draft prospects before their first NFL snap.