First, ranking DBs in general is the toughest position to do by far in both redraft and dynasty leagues. If you want to see this proven, go look at our rankings at the other positions, then take a look at DBs. They are all over the place and this extends to the top of the rankings. They are really hard to predict. In fact, I believe only Bernard Pollard has been a top 25 DB in all of the last 3 years. You will not find this at any other position. I think this is a remarkable thing because I would have thought several players would have hit the top 25 in all 3 years. That is just the way it has become with DBs. When I say they are impossible to rank, I'm not kidding. They are totally different from any other position. I could literally have a players ranked in the top 5 or outside the top 30 and be right in both cases.
Now with respect to Marshall and all DBs, our rankings at FBGs are based on combining safeties and corners.
My ranking is based on a few things. First, I thought Marshall played his best football in the second half of last year. Had Marshall put up numbers all year like his second half numbers, he would have been the top ranked DB last year. He did the same thing in 2007. Marshall has a history of slow starts. But the difference to me is Marshall was only 22 years old at the start of 2007 and that is awfully young for a football player. Also, prior to last year, Marshall was twice a top 15 DB WITHOUT being a starting CB. His tackle numbers were off the charts for a nickel corner. I place a lot of value on high tackle numbers. Marshall had 48 solos in the 2nd half of last year. I think his ceiling is ridiculously high and expect more consistency as he gets older. His ball skills are great and he is still improving. While some may not agree with me having Marshall #1, I think he is a mortal lock for the top 10 and with no clear cut top stud DB, it is simply a matter of opinion. I see a player who is maturing and with consistency, I see improved coverage stats and 80 solos or more every year. Remember that last year was Marshall's first as a starter and the adjustment could have played a part in his slow start. He is still only 25 years old and should continue to improve. His upside is extremely high in my opinion.
As far as the names mentioned in the original post, Bell is 32 years old and I generally knock players that age down a few pegs, plus Miami's defense looks to be much better and Dansby will take some tackle opportunities away from Bell. Pollard is solid, but his past history of poor coverage makes me nervous. Regarding Branch, I keep hearing that Oakland could move him to free safety. That may or may not happen, but it is enough to make me cautious. I don't think ranking any of those players higher is wrong, but that is up to the person ranking them. All of them are worthy as are a few others.
I will also mention that my top tier of DBs is pretty big and basically interchangeable. But we have to rank numerically. I also would draft Marshall first in any dynasty startup whether combining safeties and CBs or not. I would do the same in a redraft league. However, I know I can get him later in most cases so there will be others off the board by the time I pick a DB.
Hope that helped.
