Brandon Marshall's Trade to Miami Dolphins and Its Fantasy Football Impact

The Denver Broncos seemed intent on trading away another top player on offense for the second offseason in a row as they have officially unloaded Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins . In return the Broncos acquire a second-round pick in this years' draft and a second-round pick in next years draft.

While the return for Marshall is much better than what the Cardinals received for Anquan Boldin (third-round pick) and what the Steelers received for Santonio Holmes (fifth-round pick) I'm not sure this was a good move. Every year a group of receivers come out in the draft (Broncos will probably draft a receiver now) and most if not all fail to perform the way Marshall has.

Even if a pass catcher does end up playing at a Pro Bowl level, it will probably take that player a few years to develop his skills to perform at that level.

Fantasy Impact for the Denver Broncos

Part One: Life Without Brandon Marshall

Third year wideout Eddie Royal has to be a favorite to receive more opportunities to produce now that Marshall is gone. In Royal's rookie season, he grabbed over 90 receptions and looked like a sure up and coming fantasy star. Last season was a complete disaster for Royal, and it left fantasy owners puzzled about this receiver's abilities.

Look for Royal to bounce back as the teams No.1 receiver and as a decent mid to late round fantasy selection in 12 team leagues.

While Royal should have a good season it is running back Knowshon Moreno that needs to be the new star in this offense. Moreno was selected as the first running back taken in last year's NFL draft. All in all, Moreno had a respectable rookie campaign but he needs to be a star in his second season.

Fortunately Moreno has solid hands and should help fantasy owners with more than just his running legs. Look for Moreno to go off draft boards in the first three rounds of the draft.

I wouldn't be surprised if his value soars higher before draft day as this youngster has a world of talent and some fantasy owners will roll the dice a round early on him.

My main concern for Moreno is that defense will probably load eight in the box and dare this offense to throw the football downfield. Without Marshall, defensive coordinators won't respect this teams' ability to pass, and they will focus on stopping Moreno in the backfield.

Fantasy Impact For the Dolphins & Brandon Marshall

Part Two: Dolphins And Brandon Marshall

With the Jets making big moves via trade and the always competitive Patriots in the AFC East, the Dolphins needed to upgrade at receiver to remain a contender. Having Marshall on the team will make defense respect the passing game and give quarterback Chad Henne a true No.1 talent.

This was the move the Dolphins had to make as this team needed a strong presence in the passing game to compliment its running game.

As for Marshall's fantasy value, it should remain as it would have been if he was still with the Broncos. Marshall should catch over 100 balls this season and head back to the Pro Bowl. You should feel confident in selecting Marshall as a clear top 10 fantasy option at receiver in 2010.

NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

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