Background
Is there a better way to celebrate NFL Draft weekend than by reading a review of McFarlane Toys NFL Sports Picks? I think not. Every sports fan should have at least one McFarlane figure…preferably a player from your favorite team.
Series 14 includes a lineup of 6 of the top young players in the game: Larry Johnson (Chiefs), Reggie Bush (Saints), Antonio Gates (Chargers), Troy Polamalu (Steelers), Steve Smith (Panthers), Shaun Alexander (Seahawks).
Packaging
The line is packaged in the traditional McFarlane style clamshell plastic packaging. Unless you are going to be displaying them, most collectors hate clamshell. It usually takes a good pair of scissors and some time to get to the figure. Although, it’s probably the best option for collectors who want to leave their prize in the package.
The Figures
The Sports Picks line is 6” scale. That doesn’t mean that every figure
stands at 6” tall, since some are in crouched positions. Steve
Smith is actually lying on the ground after a catch.
Each figure is packaged with a base that is designed like a piece of
turf. Depending on the pose they are in, some figures include a
football (in their hands or on a stick…to simulate the ball arriving).
The figures are made of hard plastic, and the points of articulation
differ by player. For the most part, the line is more statuesque than
action figure-like.
Our Opinion
McFarlane Toy’s NFL Sports Picks line has been around since 2001. That
initial run had Emmitt Smith…before he was dancing with the stars.
Series 14 has six of the most talented figures in the NFL. Every once
in a while, you’ll see a lineup that has a player or two who don’t
pan out or is soon traded. That doesn’t appear to be true with this
lineup.
The Sports Picks line is really the standard that other sports lines
are rated against. McFarlane’s sculpting and paintwork is amazing for
a mass produced line. They are ultra-detailed…from the uniforms to the
players’ tattoos.
Personally, my favorite figures in Series 14 are Larry Johnson (being a
Penn State fan), Reggie Bush (the punt return pose is great) and Steve
Smith (being a Panthers fan).
You can pick these figures up at the following:
NFL Sports Picks Series 14 Grades:
Quality: 9/10
Paint: 10/10
Durability: 8/10
Hype: 8/10
Fun Factor: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9.2/10
