By Andrew Tolentino | Football Editor

Never mind naughty and nice lists, there’s one Panini present that Christmas-inclined collectors won’t be finding underneath the tree this year.

On Dec. 28 ( still within the acceptable time frame for leaving up holiday decor), the Donruss ‘D’ will make its return to the Rated Rookies boxed set. Presumably priced in the same realm as last year’s $19.99 release, Panini’s would-be stocking stuffer packs bang-for-your-buck in each box.
Value in the coming 2011 Donruss Rated Rookies boxed set is defined by the opportunity to collect 100 top-performing (“rated,” if you will) rookies and one newcomer autograph. While the 100-player set should be the same with each break, the one-per-box rookie autograph odds could justify repeat ripping — especially at such a relatively low SRP.

Stay tuned to Beckett.com for more information about Panini’s 2011 Rated Rookies boxed set release, including a short-print reveal which should land in early 2012. Meanwhile, enjoy the sneak peek.