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Putting the drug issue aside (not that I’m suggesting that), there are some big concerns about him as a player.
He has stiff hips, average instincts and an inconsistent motor.
They just released a first round pick with these traits. Why go down that road again? . . .
Backup swing tackle is a big need for the Jets, so James Carpenter (Alabama), Lee Ziemba (Auburn) and James Brewer (Indiana) could make sense in Round Three.
But I have a sneaking suspicion free agent offensive tackle Wayne Hunter will be back.
First of all, he loves being with the Jets.
He will never forget how they picked him off the scrap heap in 2007 career, after his career was derailed by anger management problems.
Hunter had major issues, including an ugly bar room brawl.
The Jets got him the help he needed, and have a staff doctor who helps him with his problems.
He seems to have really straightened his life out with the Jets.
And I doubt he wants to leave the support system he has in Florham Park – people like Dave Szott, the doctor and Bill Callahan, who is like a father figure to him.
If he goes somewhere else, outside his comfort zone, a setback could be more likely.
Also, the Jets better have a Cadillac insurance policy behind Vlad Ducasse at right tackle.
Vlad has never played there before. He was a left tackle at UMass, and spent a big chunk of last year training to be a guard.
Vlad is very smart, but remember, he didn’t learn English until he was 15, and is more of a visual learner – meaning things come easier to him on the field than in the classroom.
Well guess what, there has been no field work at Jets camp this off-season due to the lockout, and this is awful for Ducasse’s maturation process as a right tackle.
And do you really think it’s a good idea to have a guy learning on the job as one of Mark Sanchez’s body guards.
Let’s not forget, Sanchez is coming off two injury plagued years. He had a knee issue as a rookie, and needed surgery, and then had a shoulder problem this year that almost needed surgery.
So when you consider all these factors – there is a great chance Turner could be back.
But then again, don’t be shocked if Woody Johnson pulls in the purse strings at backup spots and the end of the roster.
Clearly there are financial issues in Florham (furloughs, paycuts, recession) and remember last year, he pulled purse strings with some spots, like specialist – Jay Feely and James Dearth, and had five coaches positions eliminated.
But with Hunter, Woody should just pay him the veteran minimum, and suck it up.
Because if they don’t, they might live to regret it.