Position: Guard/Center
Height/Weight: 6’3″/315 lbs.
Age: 26/Experience: 5
College: Oklahoma

Analysis: Chris Chester has steadily improved since the Ravens drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft.  Initially, Chester, who is another tight end turned o-lineman, did not have the size or bulk to keep up on the interior of the Ravens offensive line.

Chester has worked hard to improve his strength.  Combined with his mobility and athleticism he has become an invaluable part of the Ravens line.  Chester has enabled the line to not miss a beat when he is forced into action at either the the guard or center positions.  He is not as rugged as guys like Marshall Yanda and Ben Grubbs, but Chester brings a lot of talent and experience.  He is an important insurance policy for the Ravens.

2010 Outlook: Slated to be a back-up again this year, the plans for Chester could quickly change pending Jared Gaither’s recovery from a back injury.  Many Raven’s fans believe the club should be proactive in moving Yanda to right tackle and insert Chester into the starting line-up at the right guard spot.  Chester has reportedly added some more weight this off season and could be more ready that ever to excel at the guard spot.  But the question is, does it make sense to move Yanda from his best position and potentially weaken two spots on the offensive line, as well as limit the Ravens depth on the line?  At this point the plan is to stick with Chester as the back-up on the interior line, but that could change quickly if Gaither’s recovery is longer than expect or if Oneil Cousins struggles at right tackle.  Look for Chester to also be used as a lineman-tight end in certain situations and to be used some in the un-balanced line formations that Cam Cameron is so fond of.