NFL Trade Deadline: Ranking Which Players Will Be Most Effective Moving Forward

With the 2011 NFL trade deadline come and gone, it's time to really break down and determine the effectiveness of these players moving forward with their new teams.

Sometimes a new situation, a new team and new teammates can make the world of difference for a player. Other times, the transition isn't so smooth.

There isn't really a set way to determine whether or not a trade will work, but looking at the needs of the team and the needs of the player coming in is a great place to start.

There were five trades that made up the 2011 NFL trade deadline. Here's how I think those players will do with their new teams: 

1. Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders

It's nice to see the Raiders taking the mantra of legendary owner Al Davis and doing everything they can to "just win baby."

Losing Jason Campbell was huge, but I firmly believe that Carson Palmer still has what it takes to be a top-notch quarterback in the NFL.

I believe Palmer is going to lead this team into the playoffs. 

2. Brandon Lloyd, St. Louis Rams

Lloyd has to feel pretty good about leaving a drama-filled organization like Denver and heading to an up-and-coming St. Louis team.

That being said, the Rams are really bad this year.

Nevertheless, Lloyd does have Sam Bradford throwing the ball to him and I think he will really energize that offense.

It's going to be interesting to see if he decides to stick around or if he gets franchise-tagged by St. Louis. I expect good numbers from Lloyd, either way. 

3. Aaron Curry, Oakland Raiders

Coming from a Seattle Seahawks team where he got demoted to second string, Oakland must be a breath of fresh air for Curry. He's still been a vastly disappointing NFL player, though.

I do think he will be a good player for the Raiders, but he will never live up to his expectations.

4. Ronnie Brown, Detroit Lions

The Lions desperately need some consistent production out of their running game. That being said, I don't think Brown is going to bring much help.

The Lions need a bruising back to put behind Jahvid Best on the depth chart, and Brown just isn't that guy.

Plus the fact that he's up there in age, and this just becomes a band-aid more than anything. 

5. Derrick Mason, Houston Texans

 With Andre Johnson hurting, Mason is a good option. That being said, overall, I'm not a huge supporter of Derrick Mason at this stage in his career. It's rather obvious that he doesn't have it anymore.