Willie Roaf retiring - what does it mean for LJ?

[SkinsTillIDie]

(for all those that didn't see: clicky clicky (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2532615) )

So, what does this mean for Larry Johnson? He is now without last year's two starting tackles, one of which was a perennial probowler and arguably the best left tackle in the league. He is now also without Al Saunders, who was integral in getting him, Priest, and Faulk to career years.

And with more than a shady group of recievers and an aging QB who played horribly without Roaf last year... where does this put LJ?

Above LT? above Shaun? I'm not even sure if I would draft him over Portis anymore... Any reassurances?

[SKINtil8tin]

Losing Roaf is going to hurt - Willie was supposed to ensure that Gonzalez and Johnson would have great seasons. The chiefs are still hoping that Roaf will reconsider his retirement - if he doesn't come back (I don't think he will) Johnson's value has to suffer a little but I couldn't imagine him dropping below #3. He's still a beast and he's going to get his yards. If I had doubts before, I would definitely take Alexander over Johnson. Not so sure about Portis before Johnson though.

[twenty-eight]

Dont forget that Alexander's line isnt as good as it was last year with Hutchension going to Minn. I'm just hoping i get the 4+ pick so i dont have to decide between those backs.

[LT Smash]

yea, LJ took a major hit. its funny, there is almost no top-flight player without major question marks going into the season. LJ lost saunders and roaf, alexander lost hutchinson, LT lost brees, manning lost edge, edge has arizona's line, carson is rehabbing, and chad johnson will only do as well as carson. there are more, those are only the ones i can think of off the top of my head. it seems as if the surest bet for a top RB this year is portis.(hope im not jinxing anything)

[Warhead36]

LJ drops from consensus #1 to consensus top 5; with Alexander, LT, Portis, and Barber.

[skins-fan-since-birth]

my #1 is still LT, with a new QB he should see alot of caries, but it might hurt his avg.

[shsu1]

The person hurt the most by the loss of Roaf is Trent Green. People forget about how he depended on Roaf and Waters to secure that weak side for him. However, I think LJ will be impacted also, but not so much that he still won't put up 1500 and 10 TDs at least.

[BadKarma]

Dont forget that Hutchinson was a huge part of Alexanders success the past few year. Alexanders touchdown production (27 last yr vs 20 from LJ) is what separated him from the rest of the pack last year. With Roaf and Hutchinson gone for their respective team I will probably lean towards Tomlinson with the first pick.

[wsniper1]

You MUST factor in the Madden curse when drafting FF players.
How many people with McNabb won their league last year?
Vick still sucks!
How many people with Faulk won the year after he was on?
The Ravens defense was a shell of itself the year after he was on the cover.
LJ losing the most important lineman, which will also effect the passing game, and losing his offensive Coordinator and a new HC. Alexander lost the games best LG and he is on the cover of Madden. LT lost his starting QB and an unexperienced player is taking over.
Top 5
1-Tomlinson

4a Shaun Alexander
4b Larry Johnson
4c Clinton Portis
4d Tiki Barber