Broncos Bid Adieu to Brandon Marshall: Does Denver's Draft Strategy Change?

Good-bye Brandon.  We loved watching you develop from an unknown 4th round draft pick out of Central Florida into the game's best young wide receiver.

327 receptions, 4,019 yards, 25 touchdowns, two Pro-Bowl seasons, and multiple off-field distractions later, your Denver career is done.

We loved the leaping grabs, the "YAC", and the gigantic smiles after making big plays.

We didn't love the distractions, the lack of maturity, and the failure to become a leader.  Domestic violence, driving while impaired, battery, disorderly conduct, and the fateful involvement at "The Shelter" all tainted your accomplishments.

For all the stats you put up for us, we never went to the playoffs with you and were only a .500 team in the four years you were on the team.

Even Jay Cutler called you out for immaturity. Coach Shanahan was rumored to have looked at cutting you before his departure.  This wasn't just a Marshall-McDaniels problem.

We needed a winner.

We needed a winning attitude, a winning work ethic, a winning effort.

I wish you the best in Miami, as long as we aren't playing you.  I wish that you gain the maturity you need from Sparano and Parcells to focus on football and not let the off-the-field problems hinder your career.

I have been a Broncos fan all of my 33 years.  I have never seen a more dynamic and exciting pass-catcher wearing the Blue and Orange.  Maybe it isn't fair for me to expect more from you in the way of leadership, but I have pride in our players and I would much rather have players like Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey strapping it up for us.

For Broncos fans, this years draft holds a collection of wide-receiver gems that should be available in the second round.  Of course, the very talented but maturity challenged Dez Bryant out of Oklahoma State could be available in the first round of the draft.

We have several holes in the roster that need to be addressed at Center, Left Guard, Strong Inside Linebacker, possibly Outside Linebacker, and now Wide Receiver.

The full effect of the Marshall trade won't be felt for a year or two, as the second second-round pick is in the 2011 draft. Whether we draft Dez Bryant, Dezmon Briscoe, Arrelious Benn, Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas, or Mardy Gilyard there is a depth of talent in this year's draft at the position.  But, Bronco fans, do not expect them to become the next Brandon Marshall in year one.

Not even Brandon Marshall made an immediate impact in his rookie season.