The Beast is Gone

After signing his tender Tuesday, Brandon Marshall was traded to the Miami Dolphins early Wednesday for a second-round pick in next week's draft and a second-round pick in the 2011 draft.

Brandon Marshall was always going to be traded away from Denver this offseason, it was just a matter of when and for what price. Miami gets a premier receiver and Denver gets draft picks to build with.

I think there is plenty of big receiving talent in this year's draft which is why I think Denver is NOT a lock to pick Dez Bryant with the 11th overall pick. It would be completely counter-productive to draft an unproven diva receiver to replace a proven one that the coaching staff felt was detrimental, hence the trade.

Instead Denver can address some need, other than WR, with the 11th pick. I could see them taking DT Dan Williams from Tennesee, LB Rolando McClain from Alabama, or C Maurkice Pouncey with that pick.

I believe Pouncey is who they should take because he's NFL ready today and would anchor the offensive line for the next 10 years. Kyle Orton would like that protection and Knowshon Moreno would definitely appreciate the blocking he would give as the Broncos transition fully to power blocking. Taking Pouncey at 11 is a stretch because 1968 was the last time a center was taken that high but they can't go wrong with any of those picks.

To fill the void left by Brandon "The Beast" Marshall the Broncos could use either of their second round picks on guys like Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, Arrelious Benn from Illinois, or Eric Decker from Minnesota.

I like Thomas the best but he could likely be gone in the first round. Either of the other guys would be good if that's the case unless the Broncos brass isn't crazy about either and decides to go with a 3rd or 4th round reciever (Marshall was a 4th).

I'll have more draft thoughts leading up to the draft next Thursday so stay tuned. Go Broncos.